Everton Independent Research Data

 

EVERTON RES v HUDDERSFIELD
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 1, 1920
Everton;- Mutch; Page, W. B Evans; Peacock, Livesley, Williams, G.W. Jones, Copeland, Robinson, Mayson, and J. Evans. Huddersfield;- Davies; Roberson, Linley, Hawley, Cawthorne, Elliott, Shields, Islip, Slade, Smith. At Goodison. The opening play was slightly in favour of the visitors until Jones, who received a pass from Peacock, carried play into the visitors quarters, when a good movement was spoiled with Robinson being adjudged offside. The Huddersfield forwards were very persistent, and gave Page and Evans a lot of trouble. After ten minutes play Jones again made the running and sent in a perfect centre from which Copeland headed in smartly. Davis only partially cleared the ball and fell in the attention. Robinson being close up placed the leather safely in the net. The game now turned in Everton’s favour and Davis saved three smart shots in as many minutes from Robinson, Mayson and Williams. Huddersfield again advanced on the right, and Smith sent in a centre, which was only cleared after great difficulty by Page, Mutch also saved from Slade and Sheilds.  After the home goal had been subjected to some pressure Everton again made play on the right and Jones was again the instrumental party of Everton’s second goal from another of his many centres. Mayson sent in a shot which beat Davies all to pieces. Close on the interval Mayson added a third for Everton. Two minutes later Shield opened the score for Huddersfield. Half-time; Everton Res 3, Huddersfield 1. The second half play in the early stages was of a give and take order, with Everton the more aggressive.

EVERTON RESERVES 3 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN RESERVES 1
January 2, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 20)
Everton Reserves, beat Huddersfield 3-1 yesterday at Goodison Park. Everton opened the score, Robinson heading, through a centre by Jones. A second later the Huddersfield citadel had a narrow shave, for Copeland, Robinson, and Mayson took shots from near range, but Davies acquitted himself with distinction by saving each one in masterly fashion. The homesters got further ahead after twenty-five minutes play' Mayson finding the net from a pass by Robinson. Five minutes from the interval Mayson added a third for the Blues, while Shields got through for Huddersfield, and after crossing over both sides attacked in term, but nothing further was scored. Everton: - Mutch, goal Page, and Evans, backs, Peacock, Lievesley, and Williams, half-backs, Jones, Copeland, Robinson, Mayson, and Evans, forwards.

EVERTON TEAMS
Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 2, 1915
Bee’s Notes
The Everton team to meet the Wednesday at Goodison Park, tomorrow, kick-off 2.30, was last night selected as follows;- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Brown, Fleetwood, Robinson; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault, and Donnachie. The Reserves team to play against Bury reserve, at Bury will be;- Mitchell; Charleston, Evans; Peacock, Stewart, M. Jones, E.W. Jones, Kirsopp, Robinson, Mayson, and J. Evans. Charleston is a full back from Wrexham. 

EVERTON SIGN CLEVER SCOTCH HALF-BACK
Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 2, 1920
Everton have completed their negotiations for Brewster, the most sought after centre half back of the Aberdeen club. Brewster, who will make his appearance to-morrow against Sheffield Wednesday, is 25 years of age, stands 6ft high, and turns the scale at 13st. The amount of the transfer is given as 2,000 pound.

GEO. BREWSTER GOES TO EVERTON.
Aberdeen Journal - Saturday 03 January 1920
TRANSFER FEE £1500.
George Brewster, the centre haif-back of the Aberdeen Football Club, was yesterday transferred Ever ton, and will make his debut for the Liverpool club in the League game against Sheffield Wednesday at Goodison Park to-day. The exact amount of the transfer fee has not transpired, but it is understood be region of £1500, and that prominent inside  forward of the Everton Club will be transferred to Aberdeen part of the transaction. Brewster, who is native of Woodside has been associated with the Aberdeen Club since  1912, and this season has been one the shining  lights in the Scottish football- The transfer fee easily a record for an Aberdeen player.

GEORGE BRESTER SECURED FROM ABERDEEN
January 3, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
The weakness of the Everton team during the present season, has undoubtedly been in the middle, and rear positions, and that this has been the cause of several indifferent displays both at home and away has long been apparent. The management have been on the look-out for capable exponents, and many journeys have been made across the Border in search of players likely to strengthen the Blues' ranks. One of these visits concerned Brewster, the half-back of Aberdeen, who however, did not desire a change when first approached by the Goodison Park club. Since then the officials of Everton have persevered and following considerable negotiations have secured George Brewster's signature. The signing of Brewster, at what is said to be a record fee, is likely to have marked effect upon the future doings of the Blues. He is a veritable giant as footballers go, standing 6ft high and weighing 13 stone. Twenty-five years of age. Brewster probably one of the finest if not the best middle man playing in Scotland. He has been playing centre half with Aberdeen, but he is a most versatile exponent of the code, and can fill most positions on the field. He is not only a fine defender, but also looks after the wants of the front line, beside which he can shoot when the opportunity arise, and in this respect has scored several goals for Aberdeen. Everton have made a really great capture, and it is intended Brewster shall take the field against Sheffield Wednesday today at Goodison Park. The Blues are making several changes from the side beaten at Anfield. Clennell is unable to play, and this allows Gault to partner Donnachie on the left. Further back Fleetwood takes up his original position as centre half, while Robinson comes in once more at left-half. Sheffield Wednesday are in a desperate position, having only 13 points from 23 games, of which four have been won and 14 lost so that the Cutlers will have to make a big improvement if they are to retain their status.

EVERTON SIGN SCOTTISH CENTRE-HALF
Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury, Saturday, January 3, 1920
The Everton Football Club directorate, yesterday, completed negotiations for the transfer of George Brewster, the much sought-after Aberdeen centre-half, the fee being fixed at 2,00 pounds. Brewster will make his debut in English football to-day against The Wednesday, at Goodison Park. A native of Aberdeen, he was “discovered” five seasons ago by the Aberdeen F.C manager when playing for Mugiemoss, the premier junior team in the city. Since joining the senior ranks he has come on rapidly, and this season has been regarded as one of the finest exponents of the game in his position in Scotland. Twenty-five years of age, he stands six feet and weighs thirteen stone. He is particularly good in defence, and his ability to recover quickly when once beaten stands him in good stead. He has already caught the eye of the Scottish selectors this season, being chosen reserve centre-half against Ireland.

TOFFEE-MAN
Star Green ‘Un-Saturday 3 January 1920
MISS A PENALTY AGAINST WEDNESDAY
VISITORS’ PRECIOUS POINT
By “Free Lance”
The Wednesday were the visitors at Goodison Park to-day, and as Everton has displayed such fickle form we were hopeful that at least one point would come our way. Everton introduced their half-back, Brewster, of Aberdeen, whom they signed on yesterday. He played at centre-half vice Fleetwood, unfit. Wednesday had Reed at pivot in place of Parkes, who was damaged slightly at Bolton on Thursday. Mackay led the forward line. Teams;- Everton; Fern; Thompson and Weller; Brown, Brewster, and Robinson; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault, and Donnachie.  Wednesday;- Birch; Stapleton, and Blair; Burkinshaw, Reed and Campbell; W.H. Harvey, Binney, Mackay, Price, and Gill. Referee; Mr. T. Winter (Crewe). The weather was cold, with a slight drizzle falling. The ground was rather greasy, and there was an attendance o about 15,000 when play commenced. Everton kicked off, and the first incident of note was a mistake by the referee when he pulled up Everton for offside. He noticed his error immediately and altered his decision and gave a throw-down. There was nothing to get enthusiastic about, but the home team might have registered a goal in the first two or three minutes. Parker got right through and banged the ball obliquely across the goal, and it went out by inches.
A NARROW SHAVE
Wednesday had another fortunate escape when Chedgzoy swung the leather into the centre a few yards out of goal to Gault. The latter hesitated, and both Stapleton and Birch went for him and the ball, and Stapleton cleared very neatly. His kick led to Mackay doing a bit of business, and the centre-forward gave Binney a lovely pass, but neither he nor Harvey could make much progress. Later, following a fine wing pass Harvey fired the ball beautifully into the goalmouth. Fern fisted out just as Mackay was going to head through. Next there was a race between Campbell and Chedgzoy, the winger swerving the ball into the centre, and if Gault had been a yard faster he would have scored, as the ball only needed touching into the net. The ball went wide.
A PENALTY MISSED
Gill and Price were enterprising, but Gill’s final shot was weak. Then Chedgzoy set off again and Campbell stopped the winger rather luckily by putting the ball out. From the throw in, however, Gault hit the side net with a fine shot. A minute before this Brown had tested Birch with a great drive from a free kick. Blair stopped some promising attacks, and then Wednesday had rather a stroke of luck. After 14 minutes Everton were awarded a penalty, but Parker put the ball wide of the post. The punishment was meted out to Wednesday because Campbell in trying to stop Parker and Jefferis handled in the box. It was a palpable offence, and no one protested. We had not seen very much of Wednesday so far. The most dangerous attacks were being organized by the home side. Football was of a scrappy order, and the Everton inside men might have made more of their opportunities. Everton had certainly been the more aggressive side. Wednesday were adopting the open game, and none of us would be surprised if they scored. Their football was very pretty. After half an hour’s play Campbell had to retire owing to a wrenched knee. He was not off long, but while he was away Harvey did a fine bit of foraging. He passed back to Binney, who passed back again to Burkinshaw. The latter beat four men in succession, only to be brought down foully in the penalty area.
A LOVELY GOAL
The referee did not notice Weller’s dirty action, and so Everton escaped. After 35 minutes the leather was swung into the centre, and the Everton defenders thought that MACKAY was going to attempt some trickery, but the Scotsman did not. From 15 yards out he made a fine swerving drive, which had Fern beaten all the way. Wednesday, encouraged by this goal, kept pegging away, and had a greater share than previously. Birch made two brilliant saves. One fine drive right on the centre of the target by Gault and another grand drive by Parker were well dealt with. Then Gill beat his man, and the goalkeeper had to run out 20 yards. He was beaten, too, but the winger could not get to the ball in time to put it into the net. A minute before half-time there came an incident which caused the Everton spectators great annoyance.  Reed handled in the fatal area, and Chedgzoy took the kick. He shot straight at Birch, who saved. After a long pause it was seen that the referee had ordered the kick to be retaken owing to a Wednesday man having advanced.  This created considerable tumult amongst the Wednesday men, but Mr. Winter would not heed them. This time CHEDGZOY made no mistake, placing the ball to the right of the custodian. The spectators booed the referee for a long time, but Everton were now on level terms.
Half-time; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1.
Everybody felt sorry for Wednesday in losing the lead in such an unsatisfactory manner. If a Wednesday man did step forward there was only a fraction of a second in it. it was not noticeable from the Press box. When the game was resumed the home crowd expressed their sympathy for Wednesday in no uncertain fashion. Everton pressed to start with, but Jefferis and Gault hesitated and Blair out-generalled the lot of them. There was an attendance of about 30,000 now.
FINE WING PLAY
Exchanges were fairly even and the Wednesday defence was always the master of the Everton attack. Wednesday now went down, and both Gill and Harvey flashed the ball into the centre only for the home rear division to crowd the visitors out. Harvey got in a good shot, and Fern saved well. Wednesday now became very aggressive but they had no luck. The referee gave some extraordinary decisions in offside, and Harvey was cheered for a nice run, but he put the ball out. At the other end Brewster shot over from a corner kick. Blair next outwitted Chedgzoy beautifully. Gault had some keen tussles with Thompson, and honours, were equally divided. The blues made one or two incurisions, but Stapleton played finely. Mackay came back to lend a hand. Three times he jumped in with enthusiasm and spiked Everton’s guns. He is a rare lad is Mackay. He has plenty of spirit, Gault fired in a daisy cutter. Birch stopped it, but did not gather it well, and the ball almost rolled over the line. He was lucky to scramble it back in time. Wednesday made several raids, but Binney and Mackay got in each other’s way, and the home backs cleared. Wednesday forwards were very anxious to do well. Everton got away again, and Birch saved a fine shot from Jefferis. Gill gave Binney an opening, but the latter hesitated, and the opportunity was lost.
AN ANXIOUS TIME
Campbell yielded a free kick close in when trying to check Chedgzoy, and the Wednesday goalkeeper had an anxious time. Birch had to throw out the ball when on his knees, Blair being unable to kick clear. The exchanges were scrappy to the end. Result; Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
If the Everton inside trio of forwards had displayed anything like the ability one associations with the names of Parker, Gault, and Jefferis, then Everton would have been half a dozen goals up at the interval. If the referee had interpreted the rules in the spirit of the game Wednesday would have been one goal to the good. It will be a long time before the penalty incident in the last minute of the first half is forgotten. The crowd thereafter was full of sympathy and told the players so. It was not a great game; in fact, the exchanges were very scrappy at periods. In the first half Everton had more of the play, though they never looked like getting goals. Whenever Wednesday made progress there was always danger for Fern. In the second half Wednesday were quite as good as Everton and with a bit of luck might have snapped a brace of points. The Wednesday played much better in that their tactics were an improvement on previous displays. If they kept it up goals will come and victory. The defence was in excellent form. Birch made some capital saves, whilst Blair was excellent. Stapleton gave no cause for complaint whatever. The halves were good, but Gill and Harvey were not so strong as usual. Mackay is a rare boy, and fears none. It was unfortunate that Binney got in the way occasionally in the second half. The Everton defence was cool, the halves moderate, Brewster did not blot out Mackay by any means. The extreme wingers were clever, but the inside men hesitated too much.

BRWESTER’S FIRST GAME WITH NEW CLUB
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 3, 1920
EVERTON PLAYED ABERDEEN CAPTURE AGAINST THE WEDNESDAY OF SHEFFEILD
THREE PENALTY KICKS FOR TWO OFFENCES
The feature of the week-end was the signing of George Brewster, the big Aberdeen pivot, whom Mr. Tom McIntosh has sought for so long. Mr. McIntosh told “Bee” weeks ago that he reckoned Brewster the best ever, and though he had been baulked he felt he would get his man eventually, and so it was.  The pity of it all was that Brewster should male his debut today, for the weather broke down, and the crowd was normal, whereas, with fine weather, the crowd would have been enormous. Next week the Cup-ties. It is to be hoped that full representation will be possible.
EVERTON v. WEDNESDAY
Goodison plan;- Everton; Fern; Thompson, Weller; Robinson, Brewster, Brown; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault, Donnachie. The Wednesday;- Birch; Stapleton; Burkinshaw, Reed, Campbell; W.H. Harvey, Binnie, McKay, Price, Gill. Referee; Mr. J. Winter. Linesmen, Messrs. W.F. Bunnell and J. Wright.  “Bee” writes’- Everton’s team was unusual in that Robinson returned to half-back position, Brewster made his debut, and Gault tried at inside left instead of centre. At the last moment it was decided to give Fleetwood a rest. In the first quarter hour Everton could have been three goals up if they had been the least bit reliable when a shot was needed. During this period Chedgzoy played glorious football and crossed the ball so nicely that it needed the barest touch to make it into a goal.
A PICTURESQUE FLIER
One of his runs was half the length of the field and was picturesque from first to last. He had to beat two men and carry the ball inward, and when he was three yards out, he hooked the ball out of Birch’s range, yet the right-wing forwards were not up to receive a New Year’s present.  This was not the only blunder- in fact, the opening portion was full of them, perhaps the most notable being Campbell’s present of a penalty kick by a foolish case of handling, and Parker’s missed shot from the spot. The home centre drove a foot wide of the left post. The referee erred, and admitted his mistake by giving a throw-down, and another unusual feature was the appearance of Donnachie at outside right when the teams lined up, Donnachie was due on the left wing and curried off to his proper place, wondering how he came to make the error. Once again, the Everton backs mixed their game, Weller one time completely missing the ball and presenting the inside left with what was really an open goal. However, the forward shot so obliquely that Binnie had a chance to make good the other side of the field.
THE NEW MAN
Binney fared no better than his comrade, and Wednesday had therefore missed a chance and a half of creating a surprise. The home forwards played pretty football, and Brewster the big lived up to the maxim “Handsome in as handsome does.” He is beautifully built, and much resembles Jimmy Gault, except that he is tougher built. I certainly thought Wednesday deserved a penalty kick when Burkinshaw was brought after his very striking dribble and run. 
ONE OF MAC’S BEST
The referee would not allow a spot kick however, and Wednesday’s way of getting even was by scoring a goal about which there could be no quibbling. McKay, who left the Hearts of Midlothian three weeks ago, was the shooter, and his drive gave Fern no possible chance. On the run of the game Everton should have been comfortable leaders, but they did not finish their work smartly. Moreover, the home side lost Chedgzoy for a time, and Wednesday as a consequence had more of the play, but their luck was out. For instance, Gill and Thompson beaten, and was baulked close in through Fern wisely deciding to risk all by coming out. Worse followed, for Wednesday were ordered to conceive with another penalty kick. This time Chedgzoy took the shot, and Birch gathered the ball faithfully, only to find that something had happened to make the referee order the kick to be retaken.
CHEDGOZY EQUALISES
This time Chedgzoy was more fortunate, the scores being equaled a minute before half-time. It was hard lines on Birch, who had kept goal in fine fashion against stringing shots by Parker and Gault. One of his saves-he edged a Gault shot out of the way- was exceedingly brilliant.
Half-time; Everton 1, Wednesday 1.
Considering their lowly position, Wednesday had played well, though on the balance of play Everton had been main attackers. Blair had defended manfully, and Robinson and Brown had successfully coped with Wednesday’s wing forwards, little being seen of Harvey, who has a big reputation in a short time. Brewster dominated the half back line, and one imagines that with Fleetwood alongside him the Everton line would become massive and strong.
AN UNBALANCED LINE
The second half had not been going five minutes before Jefferis and Chedgzoy were limping badly, so that the line was unbalanced; not so the Wednesday line which for a time promised to take a lead, Gill making a perfect position and screwed badly when a placed shot would have meant a goal. Lieut Harvey did at last test Fern, but his example was not followed by Binney, who showed fatal hesitation when a short, sharp shot would have been fatal to the Everton goal. Wednesday were not helped by a gross mistake- not for the first time-on the part of Mr. Winter, the referee, whose exhibition was as cheerless as the weather. We know now how the phrase.  “Now is the Winter of our discontent” came into being. The writer must have seen Mr. Winter refereeing. The second half had been more even than the first, and Wednesday were now having quite a large share of the attack.  McKay was not tied to the centre forward position, and his did some determined sentry work when the Wednesday left was harassed. It was a pity, therefore that he should forget himself on one occasion and lash out at a defender.  As long last the Everton forwards got going, and Jefferis shot. Birch advanced a couple of yards, and by this means prevented his fumble realizing a goal. The ball travelled half a yard beyond him, yet did not reach the line. Jefferis went for his man again, and put more sting into his shot, too, but Mr. Birch was bang on his game and made a lovely save. At the other end Lieutenant Harvey hesitated until he was lost, and later on wasted another nice chance. In the closing stages Brewster and Jefferis were damaged and Wednesday’s defence threatened to give away a soft goal. Jefferis and Chedgzoy changed places in the last few minutes. Final; - Everton 1, Sheffield Wednesday 1. 

BURY RESERVES v EVERTON RESERVE
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 3, 1920
Though fine the weather was bitterly cold at Gigg-lane, this afternoon, for this match which was played before 3,000 spectators. Everton started facing a strong wind, and on an extremely treacherous surface which made the game scrappy, and the players’ movements uncertain. Sharp missed an open goal, and Mitchell effected a marvellous save after apparently being beaten. Baldwin also missed a grand opening. Half-time; - No score. 

STUD MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 3, 1920

EVERTON 1 SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1
January 5 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
A TALE OF PENALTIES
LOWLY WEDNESDAY DRAW WITH EVERTON.
PARKER PENALTY MISS
With four Reserves in the side, and the shadow of five defeats in a month hanging over them, Sheffield Wednesday could not have been in any cheerful spirit when they faced Everton at Goodison on Saturday, yet they went away with an invaluable point, and while on play they should have been heavily defeated, there were spectators prepared to argue that they should have won, because they equalised with a penalty which had to be taken a second time, and the infringement which brought this about was a purely technical one. The referee, however, abided by the strict letter of the law, and thus allowed the “Blues” a second chance, which was taken. One of the main sources of interest in the match was the appearance of George Brewster, the six-feet Aberdeen pivot, who was transferred the day before, and occupied the centre half berth after travelling all night. His height and weight are a great help, and he made a most favorable impression, especially by his headwork. He can nod the ball a tremendous distance, and is always a source of danger from corner kicks, while he distributes play nicely, and when he learus the various styles of his colleagues he will be a very valuable acquisition to his new club. Fern had a quite afternoon, and had no chance with the shot that beat him. The backs showed in and out form, and both Thompson and Weller made mistakes. Once Weller clean missed his kick, and gave the Wednesday a glorious opening which was wasted. Some of Brown's touches were very clever, but Robinson was not so good as the other pair of halves. Forward Donnachie and Chedgzoy and especially the latter till he was crocked served up some delightful centres, and Chedgzoy's dribbles were delightful, but the inside men could not operate on the heavy going, and all were on the slow side. Birch and Blair were the mainstays of the Wednesday defence, and came through a heavy ordeal with every credit to themselves. Burkinshaw was the best of the halves, and McKay the most trustful of the forwards.
HOW THE GAME WENT.
Everton had much of the play in the first half, but could not score till just before the interval. At the end of fifteen minutes play Campbell handled in the penalty area, but Parker drove wide from the penalty kick . Then all against the run of the game McKay netted for the Wednesday after 35 minutes with a left foot swerving drive, which passed into the net well out of Fern's reach. A minute before half-time Reed handled in the penalty area, and a penalty kick was awarded. Chedgzoy shot straight at Birch, but as stated, the shot was ordered to be taken again, and this time he beat the keeper. With several of the home men, suffering from knocks in the second half, Wednesday had their fair share of the exchanges, but play was only of moderate quality and there was no further scoring.
Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Thompson, and Weller, backs, Robinson, Brewster, and Brown half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault, and Donnachie, forwards. Sheffield Wednesday: - Birch, goal, Stapleton, and Blair, backs, Burkinshaw, Reed, and Campbell, half-backs, W.H. Harvey, Binnery, McKay, Price, and Gill, forwards. Referee J. Winter.

BURY RESERVES 0 EVERTON RESERVES 0
January 5, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE

EVERTON DRAW WITH WEDNESDAY
The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Monday, 5 January 1920
A DISAPPOINTING GAME
There was precious little good football in the game at Goodison Park, where Everton and Sheffield Wednesday played a drawn game. This was probably the most fitting end to the contest, although it might be argued that Everton had a big slice of luck as the goal that provided the equalizing point was scored from a retaken penalty kick. The first shot was stopped by the Wednesday custodian, but through a technical infringement the referee ordered the kick to be retaken and Chedgzoy succeeded in getting his shot home on the second occasion. The Wednesday are certainly not a strong side, and having regard to the fact that they were compelled to play four reserves, Everton’s display was most disappointing. Everton should have made the issue safe in the first half. They had a number of fine chances provided from really clever work by Chedgzoy, but the inside forwards were very weak. Wednesday scored first and it was a capital shot that beat Fern. McKay took a long hard drive, Fern being deceived by both the pace and direction of the shot. Previous to this however, Parker had failed to reach the goal with a penalty kick, the ball going wide of the post. Although Everton did most of the attacking they could not get through the Wednesday defence. Parker tried several first-time shots, but they were very wide. In the second half play was much more even. The Wednesday forwards took full advantage of the weakness of the Everton backs and Fern had several difficult shots to deal with. Birch was almost beaten by a shot from Gault. The ball rolled out of the custodian’s hands, and he was fortunate to regain possession before it passed over the line. Everton included their new player, George Brewster from Aberdeen. Brewster occupied the centre-half position, and, although the game was not one calculated to bring out the best qualities of the new player, it was obvious that with his height, weight, and excellent constructive ideas Brewster should play a big part in remodeling the Everton team. Chedgzoy was in a class by himself, and it was certainly not his fault that Everton have such a poor display. The Wednesday forwards made difficulties for themselves. They had many excellent chances for shooting which they allowed to pass in what proved to be fruitless efforts to improve. The backs were very reliable and Birch gave a grand display in goal. Result- Everton 1 Sheffield Wednesday 1. Teams;- Everton; Fern; Thompson, Weller; Brown, Brewster, Robinson; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault and Donnachie. Sheffield Wednesday;- Birch; Stapleton, Blair; Burkinshaw, Reed, Campbell, Harvey; Binney, McKay, Price and Gill.

BURY RESERVES v EVERTON RESERVES
The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Monday 5 January 1920
Two representatives teams antagonized at Gigg-lane on Saturday afternoon before 2,000 people, under very adverse conditions. The playing surface had been frozen the previous night and the game of Saturday morning resulted in a peculiarly treacherous turf on which the players slipped and floundered about at times in ludicrous fashion. Sharp, Williams, and Kirsopp had glorious chances, the centre forward on several occasions, but they could not find a weak point, the ball almost invariably going off their toes at a tangent. However, Sharp put in the greatest shot of the match at point blank range, but Woods happened to be well-placed, and he brought off a magnificent save. On another occasion G.W Jones hit the outer edge of the post with a rasping shot. Mitchell had a fair amount of work and once he seemed beaten after he had been drawn out of the goal, but he recovered miraculously and saved the situation. He also effected a tip-top save to a shot from Scholes, Bury’s new local find, who promises great things. The result, a goalless draw, was a fair reflex.

THE STORY OF A PENALTY
Sheffield Independent-Monday 5 January 1920
WEDNESDAY HAVE NO LUCK AT EVERTON
McKAY EXCELS
EVERTON 1, WEDNESDAY 1
The Wednesday sprang a big surprise on Everton in drawing at Goodison Park, for the opinion in Liverpool was that the home side had an “easy thig” on. As a matter of fact, Everton had all the luck that was going, and, though they might have won with the chances they had in the first half, they must have been well content at the finish to get off with a 1-1 draw. Everton were lucky in this respect. They had two penalty kicks and missed one and scored from the other. On the second occasion Birch saved the first shot, but it was ordered to be re-taken because a Wednesday player had crossed the line too soon, and the second kick succeeded. On the other hand, the Wednesday ought to have had a penalty in the first half, when it was claimed-and the Wednesday players were emphatic on the point-that Weller had brought down McKay, and from the Press-box it certainly appeared as though the Everton back had transgressed the rules. But the referee, Mr. Winter, ruled against the visitors whereas, had a penalty been awarded them, the Wednesday might very well have scored and won the game, for they were then a goal up.
MISSED CHANCES
There could be little question but that Everton were the better side in the first half, and they should really have gained a winning lead before the interval with the chances that fell to them. Afterwards the Wednesday were, if anything, the better side, like Everton, they were not too good in front of goal. But the weather was cold and wet, and the ground in a very bad state, and it was really difficult to shoot with any accuracy. In this respect McKay was a long way better than any of the other forwards, and the goal he got was the outcome of one of the best shots of the match. Had he been in he centre for Everton a different story might have had to be told, for Parker was slow as the leader of the Everton attack, and, though he had several chances in the first half he could never get in a shot that had any force behind it. the best shot of the first half for Everton came from Gault, and Birch, jumping across the goal, brought off a brilliant one-handed save when at full length. It was the save of the match. Birch did many good things and saved a fine shot from Jefferis after the change of ends. He had more to do than Fern and did it exceedingly well.
WEDNESDAY’S FINE DEFENCE
When Everton are criticized for weak finishing, however, tribute must be paid to the fine defensive work of the Wednesday. Blair and Campbell had a warm time of it in the early stages against Chedgzoy, who began in brilliant form with fine runs and centres, but they held him well afterwards, and, with the half-backs getting a grip on the Everton forwards after a rather uncertain start, they presented a very fine defence indeed, Stapleton, at back, and Reed and Campbell, at half, shared the honours of the rearguard with Birch. Forward, McKay was always bustling the defence, and did very well indeed against Everton’s 2,000 pound capture, Brewster, of Aberdeen, who did not seem to stay the pace after a really good first half display. Harvey and Binney were rather disappointing while Gill made many fine runs, but did not always finish well. Everton’s backs were none too safe under pressure, but the halves were all good, and Brewster looks like turning out an acquisition. Chedgzoy was the best forward on view in the first half, but he and Jefferis were injured, and the right wing was not effective in the second half. Parker was slow at centre, and Gault, in the unusual position of inside left, was as good as any of the quintette.
HOW THE GOALS WERE SCORED
All the scoring was done in the first half, Everton got their first penalty in fifteen minutes, when Campbell handled, but Parker sent wide. Then, after 35 minutes, McKay got possession on the left and scored with a brilliant drive. Gill drew out Fern soon afterwards, only to send wide, and a minute before the interval, there was another penalty, this time for hands by Reed. Chedgzoy’s shot was saved by Birch, but the kick was ordered to be retaken, and this time Everton scored. As stated, Wednesday might have had a penalty in the first half, and, on another occasion after the interval, Binney should have scored from a fine run and centre by Gill, but he could not trap the ball, which travelled wide. Yet again the Wednesday were through when Weller was glad to stop the ball with his hands, but the transgression was committed outside the penalty area, and the goal escaped. It was a hard-fought but by no means a brilliant game, but the Wednesday showed that they should be much higher up the table on their form in this game. Teams;- Everton.- Fern; Thompson, Weller; Brown, Brewster, Robinson; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Parker, Gault, and Donnachie. Wednesday;’- Birch; Stapleton, Blair; Burkinshaw, reed, Campbell; W.H. Harvey, Binney, McKay, Price and Gill. Referee; Mr. T. Winter (Crewe).

A VIEW OF BREWSTER
The Liverpool Echo-Monday, January 5, 1920
Bee’s Notes
Saturday’s football left us with but a point. It was a disappointing day and does not sugar too well for the Cup-tie period of Saturday next, although we must remember that Saturday next will bring us better representation than last week. Undoubtedly Everton were lucky to get off with a point from the Wednesday of Sheffield, but they felt the absence of Fleetwood, who has been carrying the side for some time. Brewster, of Aberdeen, was on view for the first time, and his exhibition pleased to put it mildly. He is a big fellow, strong in heading and breaking-up, and anxious to feed his forwards. He has all the attributes of a pivot and should have a long and successful innings here. His heading was, to me, his most marked feature, and though he tried somewhat it must not be forgotten that he had been travelling all night, and any one who has lost sleep knows what feeling that leaves- many have “suffered thus” during the holiday period. Brewster has come to stay- that much seems certain. He was new to the ground, his comrades, and English football, and allowance must be made on that score. I thought Brown and Robinson ably seconded his work, but behind there was the same fatal miskicking and uncertainly. Admitted the ball was travelling over sticky muddy substance, but we have to judge as the game went, and we saw from Stapleton and Blair some very fine true kicking. There’s the rub.
PENALTY INCIDENTS
It must be confessed that Everton started in such a way that goals seemed certain. Yet it was only by the aid of a penalty kick at the second time of taking that Everton scored. Campbell’s handling was very foolish, and Parker missed fire in drawing the shot too fine to the right-hand side. Then Chedgzoy was deputed to take another spot kick and fail, only to be granted a further chance through a Wednesday forward running ahead when the kick was about to be taken. This was a bit of luck, and Chedgzoy made full use of it. the wonder was that Everton were not mulcted in a penalty kick, for they certainly asked for it once. The trouble all day was bad shooting-and many possibly claim that the ball could not be hit properly I am against this suggestion. For this reason; Gault tried Birch with a glorious drive, Jefferis shot hard and fast in the second half and was held out by Birch. Now where the fault lay was in the bad tactics of the players trying to shoot hard. Chedgzoy made enough openings in the first ten minutes to create a substantial lead and never a goal came from his beauteous books to the left wing. Jones is a splendid youngster, but if there is a better than Chedgzoy at outside right I would like to sign him. Chedgzoy was pumped out through running up so many times and offering goals, and in the second half he and Jefferis were plainly unable to do themselves justice through the injuries they has received. They changed places, and maybe another change.  Gault and Parker -for a short time would have brought the desired result. Wednesday as a side certainly did better than one could have expected. They would have won if they had been a bit more definite in front of goal- there was woeful lack of penetrative power when an opening presented itself, and the folly of stopping the ball ere shooting was never made more manifest that when Lieut, Harvey is disappointment after all we had heard about him) and Binney tipped the ball aside instead of firing first-time. We seem to have lost all idea of hitting a ball hard and true “as it comes to the player.” Yet no shot across as much speed as the first time shot. Blair, McKay (Hearts player three weeks ago and scorer of a good goal on Saturday). Gill, and the Wednesday backs impressed me and Birch, in goal, made surprising saves, and was only once at fault-he was well out of goal when he fumbled the ball, so that the danger was more apparent than real.

“JANUARY SALES”? FLEETWOOD AS FULL BACK?
The Liverpool Echo-Tuesday January 6, 1920
Bee’s Notes
Talk is rife of more January sales in the Emporium of Football (writes “VIN”). A rumour is prevalent that a Lancashire club has cast envious eyes upon, and is prepared to negotiate for, two or three Everton players who have been recently rested. More conjecture unidentified them as a left-half and two forwards. If anything eventuates the prices will probably be the current “trade union” fee- 1.500 pounds or under now being classed as “haberdashery” in the football market. A suggestion was made “down town,” yesterday that, having regard to Brown’s improvement as right half the versatile Fleetwood might be brought “back” a line to partner Weller until such times as Thompson recovers his pristine form. The following “ensemble” strikes one as Everton’s best; - Fern; Fleetwood and Weller; Brown, Brewster, Grenyer, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Gault, Clennell, and Harrison.

LATEST FROM THE CUP TRAINING
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday January 7, 1920
Bee’s Notes
The announcement this morning of a suggested “authoritative” figure paid by Everton for Brewster will doubtless last some querists to write asking for particulars of the figure paid. No such statement can be given in cur columns. The publication of figures (many fictitious and inspired by a club or agent) is no good to player or club, and I cannot be a party to it in future. Of course, if a club like it issue an official statement regarding the price paid for a player, that is a different matter. But there has been evidence lately of so much “inspiration” that I am going to out the barrier up so far as Liverpool is concerned. Exceptional interest is being manifested in the tie to be decided at the ground of the Birmingham club, for it is generally admitted to be by far the most attractive of the three contests that the luck of the draw has allotted to the Birmingham area. Theoretically, Everton being a First League club and Birmingham a Second Division organization, the advantage should be with the former, but there is nothing to show that the disparity between the average League club and the leading members of the Second Division is pronounced. Possibly the difference is very slight indeed. This only applies to the clubs at the head of the Second League table, but Birmingham are one of the teams fighting earnestly for promotion. Birmingham have one of the finest defences in the country. There are few finer custodian than Tremelling, and assuredly there are no better backs as a pair than Bell and Womack. Each is up to international form, and that fact is admitted. Ball was regarded by many as the best right back in the country at the start of the season, and Womack is in no way inferior to Ball; if anything, he is a more scientific player. He is very sound in everything he does. The halves too, are very fine. McClure has been off for three weeks; he injured his ankle at Grimsby, and it has been troubling him greatly. That mishap has cost Birmingham dear (says W. Unite Jones, my Birmingham correspondent). It has meant the withdrawal of Millard from the centre forward position, and Milward is by far the best centre the club possess. There cannot be a show of doubt on that point. When Millard is in position goals are usually scored, and he usually scores them, too. When he is away- well, they may be scored, or they may not. Birmingham supporters do not trust the forwards as they trust the backs. The forwards have let them down not once, but several times; the backs have never done so. This season, of course, one means. McClure is a dashing and also a finished player. He is a centre half of the best type, and should he be away, Birmingham’s chances will be materially deprecated. He dominates the centre of the field as well as any man in his position now playing football, and he, Rouston, and Barton constitute at least as good a half back trio as there is to be found in the Second League. In fact, so far as defence goes Birmingham are the equals of practically any First League clubs. Roulson is a determined and resourceful player and Percy Barton is a man of daring mood; he fears nothing that can be put up against him. It is the forward line that is cursed with a certain amount of uncertainty. One never knows what their show will be like. They may rise to the occasion, or they may give a pulsed and inconclusive exhibition. They can do one or the other with equal facility. Short who has been playing at inside right, is a model if inconsistency, and of late Eilkes has been preferred to him. But there is no comparison between the two when Short is on his game. But when he is off it-well, he is well off it. Burkinshaw is probably the best outside right they have, but he is not always at his best and his second best is apt to be poor. Elikes is a big fellow, and he has a good idea of shooting, but the right wing is the weakest position of the team. Millard is quite a good centre. He is fast and fairly clever, while his shooting is excellent. He can really score f he gets the chance, and one cannot say that of all centres.Whitehouse and Morgan are a very fine wing pair. Whitehouse has possibly not quite realized expectations, for he fumbles about when near goal now, whereas he was formerly burning with zeal to shoot. And the used to shoot too! The goalkeeper know that he was about when he did let fly. But he is a clever player, and a dangerous player, too. Morgan is quite a high grade wing man, and is as good as most men now operating in his position, if the forwards give of their best, Everton might easily have a great surprise; if they are not at their best, well then they are liberty to be a long way below it. that is the way with Birmingham as a rule. The team have been training quietly at home, save that they visited Droitwich for a brine bath. That is never voted a better day proceeding; there is no better tonic. But the men are better off, the directors think in their own quarters than in a strange place, and in a strange environment. There has been a good demand for reserved seats, and some patronage is expected from Liverpool, although naturally people do not travel in their thousands to attend Cup ties now that ordinary fares are the rules. The ground is a huge one; there is probably no enclosure with a greater holding capacity. It is supposed to accommodate 80,000 and if on essay of stewards were engaged probably it would be found capable of issuing that number. There is no unreserved side in the country to compare with Spion Kop, as that, huge embankment is styled. The ground looks like being hard, for it is freezing fast at the time of writing, but much may happen between new and Saturday. That the match will draw the crowd in the Midlands is an assumed thing.
EVERTON’S TEAM
Everton will not have the services of Brewster, their capture from Aberdeen, for the cup-tie, as he is not eligible to play in the first round. A player to be eligible must be registered with a club for fourteen days and Brewster was signed on by Everton on the 2nd inst. The team selected by the Everton directors last night is as follows;- Fern; Page, Weller; Brown, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Gault, Clennell, and Harrison, this is a good side, and it is worthy of note that Everton have not been beaten when Fleetwood has played at centre half. Followers of the club will hope that his second will be maintained on Saturday.
Everton Reserves team on Saturday against Liverpool Reserves, at Anfield will be; Mitchell; Thompson, Evans; Peacock, Brewster, Robinson; Jones, L. Robinson, Sharp, Mayson, and Donnachie. The “A” team to meet St. Chepas, at Aigburth will be; Bromilow; Stroud, Russell; Jones, Stewart, Dales; Haworth, McQuarrie, Kearslake, Clark, and Evans. 

HARRY MAKEPEACE
January 8, 1920. The Daily Post and Mercury
Harry Makepeace, the former Everton international half-back and Lancashire crickter is now installed as coach to the Zwelle football club in Holland, were he is instilling into the Dutchmen the rudiments of the association game. It is rather difficult job for Harry knowns, but a few words of Dutch, which he has pick up since his arrival, he has an uphill task before him, as the club has not fared well so fat this season. Holland is divided into four sections for football, North, South, East, and West, and the Zwolle club (know as the Z.A.C) is in the Eastern section. When Makepeace arrived, the club had play twelve matches, won three, draw one and lost eight and had to win the remaining six in order to remain in the League, however, after his arrival, they defeated Arnhem by 2-0 on the latters ground.

BEE’S REVIEW
The Liverpool Echo- Friday, January 9, 1920
For the first time since 1915 the Football Association Cup finds favour again. Everton are not yet playing the game that we could wish for; but with Clennell and Fleetwood back in the side I think their game becomes vastly superior to that, say of last Saturday when the side could hardly have beaten any First Division side. Clennell has been in doubt about his kneecap-strain, but I had a chat with his yesterday and he say, “I shall play all right, but for long enough though it would be impossible. Fleetwood too is ready for the fray and remembering that Grenyer and Fleetwood and Clennell have already been on St. Andrews ground, and known its precarityof crown, they will not be troubled by the Brim visit. I think that Birmingham will find our wing forwards too hot to hold. It seems to be a question whether Brum’s forwards will be good enough to master our strong half back line and then whether our backs can hold the Brums. I think hopefully of the issue, believing that Everton will win by reason of their superior forwards and the strength of the half back line.

CUP OF GLADNESS
Sports Argus, Saturday 10 January 1920
“BLUES” BEAT EVERTON AT ST. ANDREWS
ACCEPTED CHANCES
By “Old Blue”
Of the three local clubs Birmingham had the hardest tusk this afternoon, for Everton are always determined Cup fighters, and having their full side available for the first round it was generally recognized that the home team would have to be at their best to pull through. In the last two seasons the Cup was competed for, Birmingham were knocked out in the third round, and in each of the previous seven seasons they failed at the first fence. That a grim struggle would be seen at St. Andrew's to-day was certain, but local opinion was that Birmingham would just pull through safely, although they were unfortunately not at full strength. McClure was unable to fill his usual place owing to an injured ankle, and Millard was again relegated to the half-back line. Elkes leading the attack, with Short once more partnering Burkinshaw on the right.  After the recent rains the ground was very soft, there was a troublesome wind. The teams were:— Birmingham.- Tremelling; Ball, Womack; Rouslton, Millard, Barton; Burkinshaw, Short, Elkes, Whitehouse, Morgan. Everton.- Fern; Page, Weller; Brown, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Gault, Clennell, Harrison. Referee; Mr. C.W. Gillett (London). There was a sharp shower just before the start, and the attendance was well over 30,000 when Everton winning the toss, put the home side to face the wind and the rain. In the first minute the Everton goal had a very narrow escape. Barton swung the ball into the goal area, and Weller misjudged the ball, which went out to Burkinshaw, who sent in a strong shot. It grazed the crossbar.  Another raid by the home right was only repulsed with difficulty, and then Everton made a smart attack on the right, Jefferis finally shooting across the goal just out-side.  When Birmingham next tried to get through the Everton defence proved none too safe, and Page found Whitehouse rather a handful. Clennell set his side going with long pass to opposite wing, and Chedgzoy succeeded in getting in a useful centre, but Barton cleared his goal at the expense of a corner.  This was cleared after a scrimmage, and Everton made another desperate assault which ended in Gault skimming the bar.  There was great excitement at the other end as the result of a fine solo effort by Morgan, who, after completely beating the defence sent in a shot which went directly across goal. Chedgzoy was liberally supplied with long passes, and returned them to good advantage. One of his centres caused a lot of trouble, but Ball finally ended the pressure. The Birmingham right wing played grand football, and this pair made another good raid, Burkinshaw centring accurately.  Morgan was deliberately tripped when making for goal and a free kick produced an exciting tussle in front of the Everton goal.  Page ultimately effected a clearance. A couple of dangerous assaults by the  visitors ended satisfactorily for Birmingham, who promptly went the attack again through the enterprise of Elkes.  Page was kept bury. A shot from Whitehouse was safely disposed of, but Millard set the line going once more with a smart pass to Burkinshaw, and the latter grazed the crossbar with a lovely shot.  By this time there were nearly 40,000 people, and they applauded smart play by the home forwards, who were certainly as good as their opponents in all departments.  Smart work the home right wing looked promising until Elkes got off-side, and when Everton returned to the attack Womack smartly stopped his opponent.  A miskick by Ball gave Everton a chance but it yielded no result. Some splendidwork on the part of Elkes and Morgan saw the latter put across a straight centre which foreboded danger.  Birmingham now had a full measure of the play, and their forward work was quite good. Ball was laid out through heading away a strong centre from Chedgzoy, who was the most effective forward of the visiting line.  When Everton took up the attack again Jefferis shot hard and straight at goal, but Tremelling, who played a safe game, fielded the ball well, and Birmingham soon transferred the play. Page had to clear his charge from a continued attack. Half-time:—Birmingham 0  Everton 0 
Quite early in the second half Morgan had a fine chance of opening the score.  Whitehouse started the attack, and ultimately the ball went to Burkinshaw, who sent across a smart centre.  The ball travelled to Morgan, who had practically an open goal, but he turned it outside. Birmingham, however, hemmed their opponents in for a while, and when Burkinshaw again centred. Elkes headed into the hands of thegoalkeeper.  He was promptly charged by Whitehouse and Elkes, and a scrimmage ensued with the goalkeeper on the ground holding the ball. He managed to get rid of it eventually. Birmingham forwards played fine football, and the defence had all their work cut out to hold the home attack.  Short tried to get through, and when he was stopped BURKINSHAW took up the running. Smartly gathering the ball near the goal-line, he sent in a fine shot, and although Fern touched the ball he failed to stop it from going into the net.  This success came after 53 minutes.  After this success the home goal was subjected to a terrific bombardment. Before the goal was scored Page was injured and was carried off the field.  Fern had save from Elkes, and was beaten shortly afterwards. WHITEHOUSE fastened to the ball and at once made for goal. He put in terrific shot from 20 yards range, which beat Fern after 73 minutes' play.  Birmingham, who were doing most of the attacking, continued to press, and Fern was called upon to save another lovely shot from Whitehouse. How the Everton goal escaped further downfall was remarkable, for in one attack Fern saved three beautiful shots at short range in rapid succession.  RESULT: —BIRMINGHAM 2 EVERTON 0.  The attendance numbered 42,000 and the gate receipts totalled 2,197 pounds, 6s 6d.

STUB MARKS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday January 10, 1920
By Louis T. Kelly

EVERTON DEFEAT BY BIRMINGHAM
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 10, 1920
EVERTON v BIRMINGHAM
Everton; Fern; Page, Weller; Brown, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Gault, Clennell, Harrison. Birmingham;- Tremelling; Hall, Womack; Potton, Millard, Barton; Burkinson, Short, Fakes, Whitehouse, Morgan. The weather took a change for the worst so that the crowd at the start was 30,000 strong. Here I may mention that they was a fancy visitors to this important tie, and sitting just at the back of me, was Albert Shepherd the former Bolton centre forward, who is practically as big as a house.
IN CASE OF A DRAW
I wonder what player he has his eye on. In case of a drawn game the Liverpool sides had come to an arrangement by which Anfield would have Wednesday next and Everton Thursday. Of course, if only one game is drawn the match would be played on the holiday Wednesday. Everton had doubts about certain of their members right up to the last minute, but Mr. Sam McIntosh, their manager, told me when they arrived that all was well, and a victory was promised. Since the inter-League match between England and Scotland was played here the club had spent a lot of money on extending their Spion Kop. Birmingham, who got a great rally, sported a V-shaped collar; and Everton, in view of the clashing of colours, wore navy blue and white striped jerseys.
FLEETWOOD’S LUCK
The back of the toss was in favour of Fleetwood, after two attempts to spin the coin correctly. However, Birmingham started as though they thought nothing of the gathering wind, and when the ball was put well forward Weller misjudged his header, the ball dropping behind him. It was a sterling opening, and threatened intense danger, for Burkinshaw ran in and fired in a lovely shot, which rose up as it travelled and passed inches over the middle-piece of the crossbar. Chedgzoy and Jefferis raided in earnest manner, Jefferis winding up with a shot without delay. That was the right principle on such a day as this.  Similarly, it was good policy when Clennell made a very fine sweeping pass across to Chedgzoy, who, although at an extraordinary angle, managed to get in a centre that added danger- so much so that Barton luckily kicked away.
EVERTON PRESS HEAVILY
He might have kicked a goal against his own side, but the ball went on for a corner, and Jefferis headed the kick just outside. Jefferis headed wide a second time, and then followed a shot by Chedgzoy that had Brum’s small goalkeeper hopelessly beaten. The crowd was amassed to see the ball lob on to the crossbar and roll out to Harrison.  Birmingham were equally stern and eager for a Cup-tie. The class of football was quite equal. For instance, Morgan got away on his own, Page running alongside of him, instead of making a swift tackle. Morgan hesitated just long enough to ruin his chance, but before the danger was cleared, Milliard a massive pivot drove in a beautiful shot against the wind, and the ball fled past the post. The shot was no better than that delivered by Brown (from a free kick), and later by Harrison, and considering the sticky middle piece, the pace and the playing were alike excellent. Some of the exchanges delivered by the Birmingham left flank were anything but excellent and the way the half-backs lashed out as Jefferis should have brought from Referee Grillett, of London, a sharp reapproval.
A BELATED POINT
At this point Birmingham scored after the whistle had gone for offside. Harrison was for the moment down for an injured thigh. This did not prevent Harrison dodging and dribbling, and although he did not make much ground he wound up with a lovely cross pass to the right wing, a corner resulting. Grenyer, as usual, went into the goalmouth to use his head. He reached the ball all right, but the aim was not quite true. Similarly, Harrison was merely inches out with a grand long shot, which Grenyer was about to take, put Harrison, in full flight merely took it upon himself to shoot instantly when Everton got a free kick. Clennell took it, and Birmingham lined up in preparation for Everton’s shot, Clennell cutely pushing the ball to Chedgzoy to deceive the home side. The winger maneuvered for a position, and when he got it kicked the ball just a fraction, and Chedgzoy wasted what had looked to be a great chance.  As far as the game had gone Everton had been superior only in attack, but against this had to be placed the unequal display of the Everton backs. Perhaps they did not play as badly as the Evertonians though, but the fact remained there was a nervousness on the port of the Everton supporters. 
SOLID SHOTS GALORE
The number of really solid shots up to now was large, and was added to by Grenyer, who like six other shooters before him could not have been a foot out of range, Mr. Tremelling being hopelessly placed but for the imperial foot. Chedgzoy and Jefferis but their method of beating a man and escaping the man’s legs, and they had the good sense not to play the pattern game to excessed.  As time wore on Page and Weller kicked a better length and with more surety whereas the home right back made a daring mistake and was followed in this direction by Rou’ and Morris revealed sort of the form he showed in the inter League match, here and when Page was beaten, Weller kept well in goal and cleared with a trusty foot.  Stoppages were few and far between and the ball was like lead when the full backs cleared. Ball got his head to Chedgzoy centre the game had to be stopped when the Brum got a new head. Chedgzoy got some particularly, heavy goingand his left leg went altogether.
Half-time’ Birmingham 0, Everton 0


FIRST HALF COMMENTS
Excellent football had been seen and there was not a point between the two sides except in some of the shooting. Here there was a difference. Everton shot at nearly every possible chance, and put sting into the ball, and in general kept the ball well down. Thus, there could be no grumbling at the Everton attack.  The half-backs kept a tight hold on Birmingham’s forwards, but Burkinshaw and Morgan were the best of the home side, and were really the great trouble that the Everton backs had to contend with. At first these backs did not satisfy, but as time went on they gained confidence and the early shots were almost lost to memory. Birmingham were best where we expected them to be in defence. Womack doing remarkably well, and Ball, although mistiming on occasion, was a worrying type. He got through a lot of work against our left wing. Millard I like immensely.
SECOND HALF
Chedgzoy was out and about as soon as the game was resumed, in fact he was so much out that he was yards offside in the first movement, which is surprising for him. Harrison was pulled up similarly, and there was a suggestion that Birmingham were going to rely a lot on to chance in this half. It was good to see Page get right into Morgan, because this was the way to beat the storky little winger.  I imagine someone must have mentioned the matter to him. Morgan it was who was missed.
Rest of article is unreadable

RESERVES’ DAY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday January 10, 1920
LIVERPOOL v EVERTON AT ANFIELD
Liverpool;- Armstrong; Lucas, Penman; Checkland, Butler, Barrow, Newman, Forshaw, Miller, Mathews, and Dagnall. Everton; Mitchell; Thompson, Evans; Peacock, Leversley, L. Robinson, Jones, A. Robinson, Sharpe, Mayson and Donnachie. At Anfield. With the seniors being drawn to play their English Cup tie away from home much interest was to-day centred upon the Reserves in a Central League fixture. Everton placed a strong team on the field, including their latest capture, Brewster at centre half. Liverpool also were strongly represented, and played two new men in Armstrong and Butler. Teams;-
At the last minute Brewster stood down owing to a cold, and Leversley took his place at centre half. When the game started there was fully 10,000 spectators. Everton lost the toss, and the first action came through Liverpool, who made play on the right, but Thompson intervened and punted clear. Everton were next busy on the right and Jones sent in a centre which was badly placed by Sharpe to Donnachie. The game looked like being fast, as both sides were putting all they knew into it. Liverpool were them giving the Blues defence some trouble and Mitchell had to run out to clear from Miller. Jones receiving from Peacock, was making tracks for goal when he was nicely pulled up by Barlow. Robinson and Jones were combining well on the right, which ended in the latter sending in a great centre for Sharpe to be only just wide with a header. Miller was next pulled up for offside when a goal looked certain. Matthews and Dagnall were next in evidence and carried play to the Everton goal only to find Thompson was able to release before Matthews could get in his final shot. Up to this point there was little to choose between the teams, and it was quite a typical local Derby. Liverpool at last opened the scoring Matthews shot in hard and the ball being only partially saved by Mitchell. Miller shot into the net before the custodian could recover himself. This only spurred on the Everton team, who gave Lucas and Penman some trouble, and one great effort by Robinson almost brought about the equalizer. The game was fast and free from fouls. Everton next gained a free kick near goal through a foul on Mason, and Robinson grazed the bar with a splendid effort. Two minutes from the interval Sharp equalized for Everton Reserves. Half-time; Liverpool reserves 1, Everton Reserves 1. When the game re-started Jones went centre forward for Everton, Sharpe going outside right. The early stages of the opening play went slightly in favour of the Blues, who at tacked strongly, Miller then had a glorious chance for Liverpool to take the lead, but Evans saved the situation. Three-quarter time- Liverpool Reserves 1, Everton 1.
Liverpool Echo for Monday 12 1920 is unreadable

BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 EVERTON 0
January 12, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
FA Cup Round One
A LONG FAREWELL.
EVERTON KNOCKED OUT BY BIRTMINGHAM
JACK PAGE INJURED, AND RETIRED EARLY IN SECOND HALF.
The heading is quite correct, of course, but it would be equally true to add, and by themselves for they should have made the issue safe in the first half. A couple of goals then, and Birmingham would have collapsed, for they are not a great side by any means. But they are great cup fighters, and when they found themselves in the second forty-five with the wind behind them and only ten men in front, Jack Page went off injured-their flung the ball about and battled like giants. Indeed the way they slopped through the mud, and harassed the defence with sweeping passes was a lesson it was too late for Everton to profit by, and but for the ineptitude of Morgan and some remarkable goalkeeping by Fern, Everton's deficit might have been half a dozen. The turf sodden to begin with, soon resembled a morass in the middle, and with a heavy ball and trouble to keep upright, the finer points of the game were an impossibility. Still, Everton had the help of a strong wind to start with, but began by “putting the wind up at their supporters, a miss by Weller allowing Burkinshaw to scrape the cross-bar. However, the visitors settled down before any damage could be done, and fast runs, followed by sweeping passes from Chedgzoy, bore fruit in the form of several strong shots, but most of Gault's efforts in this direction were just wide. However, the men were shooting and keeping the ball down, while sweeping passes kept the Brum backs busily employed, but drives to beat Tremmeling were lacking until Chedgzoy closed in, and left the custodian helpless.
EVERTON'S HARD LUCK.
However, the ball glanced along the face of the crossbar. Harrison, Jefferis, and Grenyer all tried long shots, which would have bothered Tremmelling had they been just inside the upright instead of inches the wrong way and from the corner Grenyer headed out of the keeper's reach, but with that little bit too much twist which meant a goal kick and not a goal. So it was all through till the interval, and Everton's superiority is shown by the fact that Fern saved twice only, therefore the retire plastered from head to foot with nothing tangible to show, for it was rough luck indeed. Worse was to follow after the resumption, for in eight minutes Burkinshaw hooked the ball from the line high into the goalmouth and in trying to catch it Fern struck the leather with his back of his hands and it fell over his head into the net. This was a facer, and Everton's tale of woe increased when page rushed headlong into an opponent and fell writhing with a twisted knee, which meant his retirement for the remainder of the match. Then Chedgzoy was suffering from several hacks, and through still tricking Womack as before, his passes were either short or behind, and in addition most of the effectiveness was taken out of Allan Grenyer by a kick in the chest. Then it was that Birmingham took their fortune in both hands and made the most of the other sides bad luck. Weller played better solo than with a partner, and his kicking was capital, while Fern performed miracles in goal, so that it was the end of a very imperfect day when a lighting drive from Whitehouse touched Weller, and instead of going straight to Fern, as it would have done, moved away to where he could only just reach it without being able to prevent it entering the net. The visitors were well beaten in the closing stages, and never seemed likely to score.
ABOUT THE PLAYERS.
Fern did much to retrieve his one costly mistake by his daring clearances in the last half-hour. Jack Page had kicked lustily till he contributed to his own accident, while Weller, after a period of uncertainty, made brave efforts to do the work of two men. Brown found the going too much for him, but Grenyer improved on recent displays till he was hurt so badly that it needed considerable courage to remain on the field. Fleetwood however, was the man of the line, in fact, the best half on the field, and no portion of Everton's defeat could be laid on his shoulders. In the same way Chedgzoy, till creaked, was the chief figure in the forward line, thanks to his handy turn of speed, and the feeding he received from his cool crafty partner Jefferis, who was too cute for Barton. Gault had no luck with his shooting, while the left wing was of little service, for Clennell moved gingerly throughout, as thorough not quite sore of his recently injured leg, while a severe kick on his knee in the first half took most of the dash out of Harrison. Tremmelling fumbled a number of long shots, but made quick recoveries. Hall against the easier wing to deal with. Millard was the best half and forward Burkinshaw was the pick. Morgan had half a dozen clear openings, but his shooting was poor in the extreme. Teams: - Birmingham City: - Tremelling, goal, Hall, and Womack, backs, Potton, Millard, and Barton, half-backs, Burkinshaw, Short, Fakes, Whitehouse, and Morgan, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Page and Weller, backs, Brown, Fleetwood (Captain), and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Gault, Donnachie, and Harrison, forwards.

LIVERPOOL RESERVES 1 EVERTON RESERVES 1
January 12, 192. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 22)
With the two premier clubs playing away, this enabled a crowd of 15,000 to witness the Reserves do battle at Anfield. Brewster Everton's latest capture, was unable to play owing to a bad cold. Liverpool scored first in a somewhat remarkable manner, as in Thompson attempting to clear the ball struck a Liverpool player and came back into the net. This was after 25 minutes' play. Ten minutes later G.W. Jones, who had gone centre in place of Sharpe, got through for the Blues. The game after this was exciting contested, both sides doing their utmost to gain the lead. Checkland on the home side played a good game, while Donnachie's centres were splendid. No further goals accured, and the game ended even, each side securing a goal. Everton: - Mitchell, goal, Thompson, and Evans, Peacock, Leivseley, and Robinson half-backs, Jones, Robinson, Sharpe, Mayson, and Donnachie, forwards.

BLUES AT THEIR BEST
Birmingham Daily Gazette Monday January 12, 1920
SUPREISINGLY GOOD FOOTBALL ON HEAVY TURF
FERN BRILLIANT
By Forward
BIRMINGHAM 2 EVERTON 0
Second Division teams have often been classed as greatly inferior to these in the higher realm, but that there are certain combinations equally as good, if not far superior to First League sides, was clearly demonstrated by Birmingham, who administered the knock-out blow to Everton in decisive fashion. The home team were down the opposition most effectively, and for the last half-hour of a most exciting contest, Everton were a completely beaten side, the only wonder being that a better team did not inflict a much heavier defeat. Considering the wretched state of the ground and the unfavorable weather prevailing, the football was surprisingly good.
WELL-BALANCED WINGS
Within the first minutes Birmingham might easily have taken the lead, but a splendid shot from Burkinshaw missed its billet by inches, and he was not the only man in the home attack to make determined efforts to open the score. Elkes completely justified his selected as leader of the attack. His enthusiasm led him to wander rather too much, but he kept his forwards well together and distributed the ball smartly. The wings were well balanced and displayed such a complete undertaking that even the Everton halves, clever as they were often found themselves well in the rear. Morgan simply raced round his opposition, and his accurate centring was a source of great danger, while Burkinshaw was equally effective on the right. Short supplying him with useful openings.  Everton swung the ball about splendidly in the first half, and were quite as good as Birmingham in attack, Chedgzoy being probably the most effective of a smart line. The shooting of the visiting forwards was well on the mark, but they found Tremelling at his best, and he fielded a greasy ball with complete confidence every time. Although the slippery ground was a big handicap, Ball and Womack defended their charge admirably.
GOOD WORK BY MILLARD
The second half, however, bore a very different complexion from the first. The strenuous work of the first portion had a serious effect upon the Everton team, and except for a period of about ten minutes they were constantly on the defensive against a set of forwards who combined enthusiasm and skill so effectively that their progress could not be stayed. Birmingham entered the second half with renewed vigourand received powerful aid from a strong half-back line, in which Millard did himself the greatest credit. He fed his front line with long passes on the ground and followed up the attack judiciously, while he was also smart in nipping Everton’s raids in the bud. Roulson and Barton, who were playing under difficulties-both men had suffered from influenza throughout the week-revelled in the mud and rendered the Everton attack impotent in the second half.
BURKINSHAW’S GOAL
The score was opened by Burkinshaw, who from the goal line put in a difficult shot that Fern could not stop, and that reverse appeared to rally the Everton attack, which was very threatening for some minutes. When they were beaten back into their own area, however, there they were compelled to remain. From this point onwards they were completely beaten, and any attempt to attack failed miserably. On the other hand Birmingham pressed home their advantage with sound judgement. Elkes and his comrades could not be held, and their attacks were so full of surprises that the Everton defence was constantly in difficulties. It was a great wonder the score was not much heavier, and Everton had only Fern to thank for often saving his side when the backs were hopelessly beaten. His display in goal was remarkable.
EVERTON’S HANDICAP
In the last half-hour Whitehouse was the most effective forward in the home attack, and he frequently sent in unexpected shots, several of which might easily have scored. His goal was a real beauty. He shot from fully 25 yards range with a man directly in front of him, but he found the corner of the net, although Fern made a gallant effort to stop it. it must be remembered that for nearly the whole of the second half Everton were without Page, their most effective back, but after making allowances for this disadvantage the honours were still with the home side, and they fully deserved the victory, which will rank as none of the best of the many good performances this season. Teams;- Birmingham; Tremelling; Ball, Womack; Rouston, Millard, Barton; Burkinshaw, Short, Elkes, Whitehouse, Morgan. Everton.- Fern; Page, Weller; Brown, Fleetwood, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Jefferis, Gault, Clennell, Harrison. Referee; - Mr. C.W. Gillett (London).

EVERTON SIGN A DUNDEE BACK
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 14, 1920
Bee’s Notes
FLEETWOOD’S THIRD POST
COMMENTS OF THE WALTON SUPPORTERS
There is no doubt that Everton are out to strengthen the weak places. There are weak places, and some have been patent throughout the season. Defence has been the great trial the team has suffered for some months, and this day Mr. Manager McIntosh informs me that the club has signed on Bissett of Dundee, who will make his debut on Saturday in the reserve team match v. Bury. Another pointer indicates a defending attitude, for Tom Fleetwood has been placed as a full back in the first team. This is not surprising, for Fleetwood can play anywhere, and it has been plain that the side could afford to play him at full back now that Brewster is doing the pivot work. What more natural then than that the old Rochdale member should be placed as full back. Fleetwood started with us at inside right, was played at centre-forward for a time, and then was in turn wing and centre half. Centre half to my mind was his best place because he “mucks in,” to use a common phrase. Peacock, who is tried in the half back line is a tip-top back of local association and he played uncommonly well in the Reserves Derby on Saturday.
The team sheets reads;-
Fern; Fleetwood, Weller; Peacock, Brewster, Wareing; Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker and Clennell, and Donnachie.
Everton Reserves (v. Bury at Goodison Park); Etchells; Bissett, Hough; Brown, Livesley, Robinson; Jones, Kirsopp, Kearsley, Rigsby, Harrison.
Bissett comes from a team that could not find room for him in the first side. Hough is a back from the Manchester district who is being tried; Etchells is from the same neighhood; - Cadishead, Irlam way- and Robinson, the forward, is the Comets’ boy who has been on the target so effectually.
THE NATURAL OUTCRY
“Staunch” writes me;- I am sure the great number of Everton supporters appreciate the way you have endeavored to get the Everton directors to strengthen their team, especially the defence, but all to no purpose. I think men of the type of Messrs Bainbridge, Whitford, Kirkwood, and Cuff are badly needed at the present time. Is it true the directors had a chance on Cock, now of Chelsea? He has proved a good investment already. I hope the shareholders and supporters will stir themselves in the matter; then perhaps we shall see a team got together worthy of the good old name of Everton, and consistent with the support the club gets.

EVERTON SIGN DUNDEE BACK.
January 15, 1920. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
NORTH END’S NEW FORWARDS. MILLER, OF COVENTRY,
Lancashire Evening Post - Friday 16 January 1920
Negotiation, which have been in progress several days were completed for the transfer of James Miller, Coventry City’s out-side right, to Preston North End.  Miller of course, is the former Everton player whom the Goodison Park club originally secured from Grimsby Town.  he has played in eight games for the Merseysiders this season, but Chedgzoy became their first choice for the outside right position, and the football world was not surprised when last month, Miller was transferred to Coventry City at a fee of $1,500, the winger making his first appearance in the Midland side on the 13th December, at West Ham.  Miller appeared in every subsequent League match with Coventry, but he was unsettled there.  As he did not take part in their Cup-tie on Saturday he will be eligible to assist North End in the national tournament.  Miller, who stands 5ft 6 and half inches, and weighs just over 11st, is a native of Tynemouth and is exceptionally fast.  He joined Everton in the last war season on the recommadation of Alan Grenyer, the Merseyside club securing him at a low figure.  He served in the Army, but was released to enable him to return to his work as a miner.  Last year he won a footballers' race at Liverpool.  
The Everton club has signed on a new right-back in Bissett of Dundee, who will play in the Reserve team against Bury on Saturday. Hough, is left back from the Manchester District, is being given a trial in addition to Etchell's a goalkeeper from District. Several changes have been made in the League team, for the match against Sheffield Wednesday at Sheffield. Fleetwood is being tried at right back, Peacock, Brewster, and Wareing come into the half-back line, Robinson at inside right, and Parker at centre, and Donnachie at outside left. The players who took part in the Cup-tie at Birmingham and now stand down are Page, Brown, Grenyer, Jefferis, Gault, and Harrison. The League team is Fern, Fleetwood, Weller, Peacock, Brewster, Wareing, Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennell, Donnachie. The Reserves are: - Etchells, Bissett, Hough, Brown, Lievesley, Robinson, Jones, Kirsopp, Kearsley, Rigsby, and Harrison.

MILLER, EX-EVERTON, MOVES AGAIN
The Liverpool Echo-Thursday, January 15, 1920
It will come as a surprise to Everton and Liverpool football people to find that Miller, the swift-moving outside right, has thus early made another move. It is but a month since he left Everton for Coventry. Now Preston have signed him, and he will make his debut at Deepdale on Saturday in the League match against Middlesbrough.

MILLER TO PRESTON
January 16 1920. The ex-Everton player J. Miller the outside right who was transfer to Coventry about a month ago, Has made another change and signed for Preston North End.

JEFFERIS LEAVES BLUES FOR PRESTON.
January 17, 1920. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury.
The Preston directors are making strenuous efforts to strengthen their lowly placed team. A day or two ago they signed on the ex-Everton player miller, and yesterday, afternoon they secured the service of Jefferis, the clever inside-left of Everton, who will also turn out for the match against Middlesbrough at Deepdale today.

HARRY MAKEPEACE IN HOLLAND
January 17, 1920 Lancashire Evening Post
By John Lewis
Harry Makepeace, the former Everton half-back and Lancashire cricketer, who is now in Holland, sends me the following letter;- “I am taking the liberty of writing you to ask a question on football, as the referees in Holland are very undecided on the matter and would like the opinion of one of our football legislators. Can a goal be scored direct from a free kick for the goalkeeper handling the ball outside the penalty area? I am engaged as coach and trainer to the Zwolli Athletic Club, who are in the East competition. Holland is divided into four sections –north, south, east and west –and the leaders of each section playoff for the championship of Holland. The players are very enthusiastic, but as I have only been here a few weeks I cannot give you much idea of the quality of the football.” The answer to the question is “Yes.”

FLETCHER WELSH
Star Green ‘Un-Saturday 17 January 1920
WEDNESDAY’S NEW CENTRE SCORES
PRECIOUS WIN OVER EVERTON
By J.H.S
Probably encouraged by the excellence of the weather, but much more interested in the appearance of Fletcher Welsh, Wednesday’s new centre-forward, people swarmed down to the Hillsborough ground this afternoon, and long before the start it was obvious the gate would be a big one. Probably when Everton kicked off, facing a fresh wind, there would be quite 30,000 people present, and as the Wednesday players appeared, they were greeted with very marked enthusiasm. There were four changes, as anticipated, Parkes taking the place of Reed at centre-half, Brittleton making a very welcome reappearance at right half, and Hinchliffe coming in Campbell’s place on the left of the same line. To these changes had to be added one other, the fact that Welsh took his place at centre-forward, and Mackay moving to inside-left -a position which remained open through the Cup-tie injury to Price. Everton’s changes were exactly as anticipated, and the teams turned out as follows;- Wednesday;- Birch; McSkimming and Blair; Brittleton, Parkes and Hincliffe; Capper, Binney, Welsh, Mackay, and Gill. Everton.- Fern; Fleetwood, Weller; Peacock, Brewster, Wareing; Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennell, and Donnachie. Referee; Mr. T. Winter, of Crewe. The game opened with a straight-away dash through by Brittleton, who was cheered to the echo, and a rapid transference to the other wing, where Mackay showed some quite pretty football without gaining much advantage.
A ROUSING OPENING
Wednesday roused their supporters during the first two or three minutes by capital work in the neighborhood of Fern’s charge, but so soon as Everton’s attack got moving, a sounder method was seen. Chedgzoy and Robinson being responsible for one extremely pretty advance. The result of this was that withy Wednesday’s defence drawn, Clennell essayed a curious, very lofty hook shot, which the wind caught but which was brilliantly saved by Birch when any goalkeeper might have found reasonable excuse for failure.
BLAIR TO THE RESCUE
This was magnificently placed by Donnachie, and as the wind carried the ball away from goal and towards the Everton waiting forward, Birch ran out, the result being that the home goal was only saved through a magnificent header under the bar by Blair. This narrow escape by Wednesday was followed by a strong attack, in which Brittleton and the members of his wing participated, and wherein the first-named fairly forced his way through, finishing with a terrific drive, which caught Brewster squarely on the head and went clear. This movement really arose through a pulled centre by Capper. In another advance Welsh was brought down a yard outside the penalty line, and the free-kick magnificently cleared by Weller, whilst Parker at the other end failed with a capital chance when Wednesday were appealing for off-side, Everton’s centre forward putting in from a nasty angle a shot which Birch got to.
HARD LUCK
Once more Welsh was brought down unfairly and this time hurt, clever work by Mackay and Gill resulting from the free-kick, and the last-named flashing the ball barely over the bar. Really hard lines came to Wednesday directly afterwards when Binney finished a long, and beautiful dribble by the cleverest of side-foot touches to his partner, and in the same instant Binney was obviously fouled, whereupon the referee blew his whistle for a free-kick, and Capper, who was in full cry for goal with no opposition excepting Fern, lost his opportunity. A cheer went up from the crowd a little later when, as the result of a lot of loose work pretty well on the Everton line. Welsh, by a piece of extremely clever footwork, got possession, and with a first-time shot compelled Fern to scramble the ball away from the far post. At the other end Birch might also have been in trouble when Parker, who was in possession of the ball and not so very far away from goal, made no use of his chance. Verging on the interval Mackay fed his partner Gill with a superb back-heel pass, but it came to nothing, although Gill made a capital attempt.
MACKAY CARRIED OFF
Directly afterwards Blair, when Robinson appeared to be going right through, charged that forward off the ball in very hefty fashion, this being instantly followed by another home attack on the left, in the course of which Mackay and Peacock came into collision, and the Wednesday man went down. He was carried off and attended to by a doctor in the dressing room, whilst peacock, on retiring with the rest of his team a few minutes later, was warmly hooted. Prior to this, however, Welsh was almost through, forcing a corner which brought about absolute frenzy in the Everton defence, during which time the ball was kicked about anywhere and anyhow and Wednesday almost scored. However, in spite of all their good work, Wednesday were unable to get through.
Half-time; Wednesday 0, Everton 0
In the second half Mackay made quite an unexpected re-appearance, although manifestly shaken, and with the wind helping them Everton were the more dangerous side, both Parker and Chedgzoy going very near the mark; and this period being made noticeable by some superlative work by Blair in the shape of long, low kicking against the wind.
HINCHLIFFE JUST IN TIME
Once Parker seemed certain to score, but Hinchliffe right in front of Birch took the ball off his toes in great style, and directly afterwards repeating the good work by once more thwarting Everton’s chances. For all this, on the visiting wing Wareing got an opening, and drove in a skimming shot, which just hit the wrong side of the post, and Everton were supremely dangerous just at this stage.
A NARROW ESCAPE
The greatest incident of the match came just here, when Chedgzoy raced down his wing, and with Blair outwitted for the moment, put a glorious centre across to Donnachie who dribbled in and drove straight for the far corner of the goal, where Birch was not. The ball was as near as possible over the line when Blair, with his face to his own goal, thrust out his foot, and the ball glanced on the top of his boot into touch for a corner, and so a good against Wednesday which looked practically scored went a missing. Blair had an enormous cheer all to himself for a bit of extraordinary judgement and footwork. A free kick at the other end brought about a long glancing shot from Gill right across the goalmouth, with nobody able to get to it, but generally speaking Everton were monopolizing the play, the wind half way through this part of the game freshening rather than slackening in force.
WELSH'S WINNING WAY 
Following all this strenuous pressure against very powerful attacks, Wednesday suddenly broke away the other end, the right wring doing very good work, and eventually, after 34 minutes play, Binner swung the ball right across close in front goal, and in the terrific melee which ensued WELSH forced the ball into the net close to the post, the cheering being prodigious and clearly indicative the relief which the goal gave the crowd.  A minute later brilliant centre by Gill saw Welsh force a corner with very smart drive again at short range; but this was cleared, and for the most of the remaining time Wednesday maintained their hold at the Everton end, although one strong raiding advance Chedgzoy threatened considerable danger to the home goal. ResuIt-Wednesday 1, Everton 0
COMMENTS ON THE GAME
Considering their handicap in the way of injured players and the heavy programme responsibilities in front of the club, Wednesday can afford to look on to-day’s result with very complete satisfaction. It is the more complete because the goal which meant everything in this match was scored by welsh, the new centre-forward. It came as the culmination of as fine a period of determined pressure as the game provided. Wednesday quite deserved their victory. They were met by a side of redoubtable and unsparing opponents, and one uses the word unsparing in no unfair sense, but despite this opposition Wednesday fully held their own. Blair was again a magnificent back, and the way he saved his goal from Donnachie’s shot in the second half will long live in many a memory. The work of the two youngsters in Wednesday’s front line, Mackay and Binney, was watched with very great interest, and each of them did quite well. Binney, close to the finish, put in some very strong work. Gill was also good. Capper, eager, but not quite himself, and Welsh were closely watched. In view of this latter fact it was a sheer delight to the crowd to see him surmount his difficulties and get the winning goal. In the second half Hinchliffe showed a lot of really good work, especially against Parker and the whole of the Wednesday defence was responsible for much fine work, whilst Tom Brittleton’s reappearance after so long an absence was not only accompanied by a capital individual display, but very happily synchronized with this very memorable and important victory.

EVERTON DEBUTS
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 17, 1920
YOUNG BOYS TRIED AT HILLSBOROUGH
THEIR HISTORY
“F.E.H” ON WEDNESDAY’S DAMAGED SIDE
Everton to day tried experiments in view of their fall last week in the Cup-tie. Peacock is a Wigan boy. Fleetwood was tried at full-back, and A.J. Robinson from the Comets, was selected in the forwards. A.J. Robinson only played with the Comets one season, and would not have been with them had his old team not been disbanded. Robinson’s last club was Clarendon, a Birkenhead team, and previous to this he played for Neston Nomads. He comes from the same school as W. Robinson (known as “Mustard)” of Everton, and Ben Cross (Runcorn A.F.C), late Liverpool). H. Bull (Tranmere) and George Spencer (late Tranmere) all players of the old Neston Nomads. Nomads (the old Tranmere institute) won the Wirral Junior Cup some years back. Everton;- Fern; Fleetwood, Weller; Peacock, Brewster, Wareing; Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennells, Donnachie. Wednesday;- Birch; McSkimming, Blair; Brittleton, Parks, Hinchliffe; Capper, Binney, Welsh, McKay, Gill. Referee;- Mr. Winter.
The Evertonians made an uneventful and fairly rapid journey to Sheffield this morning and after a light lunch the players proceeded to the far off ground of the Wednesday club. The weather, though mild, was dull and threatening, but this did not prevent a bumper crowd from putting in an attendance. Everton turned out as selected, but there were three rather important changes in the home side, Birkenshaw, Campbell, and Price all resting after damaging sustained in the Cup-tie. Everton started against the wind, and Sheffield at once made play on the right.  The ball was swung across to the left wing and back again, where Capper had a fine opening, when he slipped on the grassy surface.
EVERTON PRESSING
Everton team pressed on the right, but Blair cleared confidently. It was not long, however, before the visitors returned on the left, Clennell and Donnachie executing exceedingly clever movements which terminated in Parker shooting straight to the keeper. The Wednesday right wing players were busy, and Capper looked certain to score, when Fleetwood cleared at the cost of a corner. This was safely negotiated, and Everton made ground in clever fashion, where they in turn forced a corner. Midfield wok followed which was pretty enough but ineffective, but excitement rose when Everton, moving down in combined order, Parker missed the target with a hard left foot drive. Everton were now enjoying the best of the argument and from another corner Robinson put in a dropping shot that was rather luckily fisted away by Birch. A few minutes later Robinson was again in the picture with a short low shot that was well-fielded. Chedgzoy took up the running and finished with a drive that passed just outside. Wednesday at length got on the move, and Brewster interrupted Welsh’s progress with more vigour than politeness.
DOWN, BUT NOT OUT
The Sheffield centre forward was temporarily laid out, but on his recovery the Sheffielders maintained a steady series of onslaughts on Fern’s charge. Binney and McKay both out in hot shots, but good work by the Everton halves transferred play to the other end. The visitors, developing their attack, forced another corner, and following upon this the home right wing was busy. Weller saving the situation by kicking into touch. Just before the interval Everton made desperate endeavours to draw ahead, but without success, and McKay was in such violent collision that he had to be carried off the field.
FLEETWOOD IN THE BREACH
The Wednesday with only ten men attacked with even greater vigour than before, and Fleetwood twice intervened just in the nick of time. Gill was once through and passed the ball to Welsh but the latter overran himself, and Fern was able to come out and throw away. The next item was a brilliant run on the part of Donnachie but his partner Parker missed fire. just on half-time West made a desperate rush on the left, and Fleetwood had his pants completely ripped and had to don another pair while completely surrounded by the other players. Wednesday were still pressing, when half-time came.
HALF-TIME SCORE
Everton 0, Sheffield Wednesday 0
The first half proved agreeably fast, with occasional glimpses of very pretty football. both sets of forwards played the short passing game with considerable skill, and in the main they were well balanced. The work of the Everton half-backs took the eye, especially that of Brewster, who kept an extremely close watch on Welsh. Fleetwood’s display at full back showed how quickly he can adapt himself to a new position.
A WORD FOR ROBINSON
I must give a special word of praise to the work of young Robinson, who shot whenever opportunity offered, and to Parker, who was unlucky. There were well over 30,000 people present when play was resumed. Wednesday were still without McKay, but they at once proceeded to bombard the other goal. Capper getting round Wareing put in a glorious dropping shot which Fern pulled from beneath the crossbar. At this point McKay returned and received a tremendous welcome from the crowd. Play continued to be of a level character, and for a considerable period neither side could make headway. The forwards found themselves up against sterling defenders. Thus Clennell was knocked off the ball by McSkimming just as he was wriggling through and a little later Parker was cleverly dispossessed by Blair. Wednesday were rather the more persistent side, and McKay on one occasion had only Fern to beat when he shot wide. Capper put in a long shot which Fleetwood headed away, while at the other end Robinson missed an opening, and Parker put the ball over the line. Parker tried hard to bring his wings along effectively, but the Sheffield half-backs proved a stumbling block. For a time there were some rather haphazard long kicking.
SMARTER TACTICIANS
Sheffield proved smarter at these tactics than their opponents, and Gill looked distinctly dangerous when he was upset by Peacock. At the other end, Clennell at length succeeded in getting clean through, and he finished with a fast oblique shot which was only just deflected past the post. At this stage Parkes, who was limping badly, left the field, but Wednesday still continued to hold their own. Chedgzoy was fouled close in, and from the free kick the Wednesday goal had a very narrow escape. At the opposite end Everton had the same experience, Binney missing by inches only. Wednesday attacked strongly n the right from a pass by McKay. Welsh scored at close range.

EVERTON RES v. BURY
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 17, 1920
Everton Res;- Etchles; Bissett, Hough; Brown, Liversley, J. Robinson, G. Jones, Kirsopp, Kearslake, Rigsby, Harrison. Bury Res;- Woods; Hopkins, Watmough; Chadwick, Brookes, Culshaw; Thouslinson, Rogerson, Gregson, Logan, Mason. At Goodison, in this fixture, Everton tried in goal Etchelis, from Cadishead, Bissett (full-back), from Dundee, Hough, from the Manchester district, and a Newcastle forward in Kerslake. There was very little to choose between the teams at the opening of play, and the first item of note was a shot by Jones, who sent high over the bar. A few minutes later the same player, receiving from Harrison a cross-centre, just skimmed the bar with a good attempt. Bury were then busy on the right, Mason and Logan carrying play to the Everton goal. After several exchanges in the goalmouth Everton’s new keeper brought off a grand save from Gregson, and almost the next minute Robinson sent in a smart shot, which he also cleared well. Everton again advanced through Rigsby and Harrison, and after Wood had saved smartly from Brown, Kirsopp almost got through with a lovely drive. Bury then had a turn, and good play on their left wing ended in a pass which was taken too far forward for Thomlinson, who would have had a great opportunity, but Etchells rushed out of goal and managed to clear a fine punt. This was about the only great chance that Bury had up to now. Play was then carried towards the visitors goal, and Rigsby and Harrison combining well ended in the ball being transferred to Jones, who again sent in a great centre for Kirsopp to open the score after twenty minutes’ play. Woods, the Bury keeper, was very alert, and saved several shots from the Everton forwards before he was finally beaten by Kirsopps lovely drive. After this reverse Bury put more sting into their work and made an advance upon the home goal, but Bissett and Hough appeared quite safe. The Everton goal was again in danger from good work by the visitors’ left, who were well supported by Chadwick and ended in Bissett again coming to the rescue by depriving Thomlinson from getting in his final shot. Bury were now most persistent in their efforts to equalize, and good play on the right ended in Etchells having to fall full length to save a shot from Logan. The visitors monopolized the ball and made splendid efforts to score. Ten minutes from the interval Everton were two up, Harrison sending in a perfect centre, which was well met by Rigsby who headed into the net, giving Woods no chance whatever.
Half-time;- Everton Reserves 2, Bury 0
The second half had only been in progress ten minutes when Kirsopp added a third goal for Everton, and later Rigsby put on a fourth. Three-quarter time; Everton Reserves 4, Bury 0.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY 1 EVERTON 0
JANUARY 19, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON DOWN AGAIN.
FAST GAME AT SHEFFIELD.
The Everton team can scarcely congratulate themselves upon the result of their performances with the present Wooden Spoonists in the League tournament. A fortnight ago they forterited a point at home, and conceded both at Hillsbrough, on Saturday in a game not too skillful, yet earnestly, and at times heatedly, contested. Everton's former bulwark –the half-back line –did not approach the standard of efficiency that has been identified with the club for many seasons past, but this was not the only failing, as the forward line when in possession, failed to set the pace, the left wing especially accompanying little towards raising hopes of victory. In the first portion, against the wind the van did not shape at all badly, but in the second half, concerted movements gave place to individual effort, which latter can never be relied upon to win matches. The Wednesday forwards were admittedly a faster and better balanced line, and taking full advantage of the weak powers of recovery on the part of Everton's half backs went through and deservedly claimed the spoils of the game. Probably enforced changes of position accounted for much. Still it was only on rare occasions that the display of the side was of a convincing character, though it might reasonably be conceded that they were out of luck, notably when Blair saved his goal with the keeper beaten, and again when the referee might have allowed Chedgzoy to go ahead on eluding a foul charge close in with the probability of an equalising goal accruing therefrom. Still these points are all in the game, and on the general run of the play none could begrudge Wednesday their success.
HOW THE GAME WENT.
With the wind in their favour the home forwards were able to cut out the pace to their liking, and frequently overran the opposing halves, only to meet with stern resistance from the last line of defence. Parker during this period led the line well, and for a time there was a good understanding with the halves and when at the turn the Evertonians had succeeded in holding their own against the wind, their prospect of ultimate success were rosy. These, however, belied themselves, and scrappy disjointed movements and aimless passing provided the Wednesday players with an advantage, which they did not fail to drive home. Ten minutes from the finish Fleetwood was accidentally kicked above his knee, when endeavouring to arrest the progress of Binney, but the latter survived, and swinging the ball across the far upright, Welsh dashed in and recorded the only goal of the game. A minute later Fleetwood retired and took no further part in the game. It was following this that Chedgzoy contributed two great efforts, which, as indicated, fizzled out as the result of free kicks conceded by Blair, in both instances just a yard wide of the penalty area.
PERSONAL POINTS.
Much interest was aroused as to how Fleetwood would fare in the position of right back. He was some time insettling down, and was ion difficulties during the earlier stages, but as the game progressed he gained confidence and blossomed into a really serviceable defender. When his goal was not in danger there were occasions when he could not resist the temptations of moving to his old quarters evidently under the impression that he had not enough work on hand. Although he played capitally in his new role, it is questionable whether his side derived the fullest advantage of his services by transferring him from centre half back, which is undoubtedly his natural berth. Brewster played a strong game in the early portion against the Wednesday inside forwards, and by well-directed heading and ably executed ground passes did much in constructive work, but later on his powers of recovery were not ready, and the opposing centre was enabled to ply his wing with long swinging passes. Peacock in his first league game diplayed a ready appreciation of the requirements of his forwards in conjunction with whom was favouredthe strongest part of the Everton attack. Robinson was quite a useful partner to Chedgzoy, who was the star forward on the field, and Parker though not touching his old form as a marksman, contributed many fine touches of play. Of the remainder, Clennell, Donnachie, and Wareing were not in happy vein, while Weller, pitted against the Wednesday's strongest pair, did well, and Fern kept a capital goal. Walsh Wednesday's recent capture was a capable and dashing leader, flanked by able workers in Binney and McKay, the former of whom gave a splendid support to Capper whose centres were always disconcerting to the Everton defenders. The half-back line was well represented by Brittleton, Parkes and Hinchcliffe, and further behind Blair discounted an otherwise great game by fouling his opponents after defeat. Teams: - Sheffield Wednesday: - Birch, goal, McSkimming, and Blair, backs, Brittleton, Parkes, and Hinchcliffe, half-backs, Capper, Binney, Walsh, McKay, and Gill, forwards. Everton: - Fern, goal, Fleetwood (Captain), and Weller, backs, Peacock, Brewster, and Wareing, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennell, and Donnachie, forwards. Referee T. Winter.

EVERTON RESERVES 6 BURY RESERVES 0
January 19, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
CENTRAL LEAGUE (Game 23)
The Everton Reserves against bury Reserves at Goodison Park were in the shooting form and piloted the ball onto the visitors net on six occasions. Kirsopp got the first goal soon after the start and afterwards Bury appeared in the picture. Rigsby found the net ten minutes after Kirsopp effort from a great centre by Harrison. Woods the visitors custodian cleared many fine shots from the home forwards. In the second half the Blues did as they liked, and Kirsopp who put on two more, Rigsby and Kearslake added further goals. Everton new men Etchell and Bissett displayed good form, the right back in particular. Everton: - Etchell, goal, Bissett, and Hough, backs, Brown, Lievesley, and Robinson, half-backs, Jones, Kirsopp, Kearslake, Rigsby, and Harrison, forwards.

SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY OVERCOME EVERTON.
Monday 19 January 1920 Yorkshire Post
Fletcher Welsh, the centre forward Raith Rovers, recently secured Sheffield Wednesday for a transfer fee. Made his first appearance for his English dub Hillsborough, and bad the satisfaction of putting the finishing touch a finely got goal whereby they won match. There was attendance of about 33.000 From the first the last the game was contested lively pace. Although the Wednesday forwards were attacking during the greater part of goalless first half, it was due to two fine bits of play by their defence that the Sheffieldere were not behind at half-time. Birch making superb save from Parker, and Blair heading the ball away almost from under the bar when the goalkeeper was beaten. McKay, Wednesday, was injured and carried off after half hour's piny, but came on again early in the second half. The Sheffielders, for whom Blair at- back, Brittleton half back, and Capper forward were prominent. Made great efforts to score, but powerful was the defence set up by Everton that was not until minutes from time that they succeeded. Then some fine play the Wednesday right wing ended Caliper sending across a splendid centre from near the line, and several other forwards dashing Welsh got head the ball, and sent just, past Fern into the net. Result Sheffield Wednesday 1 goal. Everton nil

WELCOME WIN FOR WEDNESDAY
Sheffield Independent -Monday January 19, 1920
NEW CENTRE FORWARD HEADS THE ONLY GOAL
BLAIR’S GREATNESS
WEDNESDAY 1, EVERTON 0
Badly needing League points the Wednesday team gallantly rose to the occasion in their game with Everton at Hillsboro’ on Saturday, and, although their victory was gained only by an odd goal, scored late in the game, it was richly deserved. The success of the Wednesday was all the more creditable because it was achieved without the assistance of four of the players who took part in the Cup-tie at Darlington in mid-week. W.H. Harvey, Burkinshaw, Price, and Campbell all having been injured on that occasion. To set against this, however, Brittleton was able to resume his place and captain the side. Moreover Fletcher Welsh, Wednesday’s new centre-forward, recently transferred from Raith Rovers, made his debut, which was a very satisfactory one inasmuch as he it was who put the finishing touch to the finely-got goal whereby the game was won. Everton, with a rearranged side, played a very hard, determined game, and set up a very powerful defence against the numerous and energetic attacks of the Sheffielders, whose superior aggressiveness was certainly not represented by the single goal victory. There was a splendid attendance, which may safely be estimated at 30,000. 
NOTABLE INCIDENTS
Notwithstanding that they soon began to attack vigorously, Fern being called upon to stop a stinging shot from Gill, Wednesday early on would have found themselves a goal down but for a fine bit of play by Blair who, with Birch out, skillfully headed the ball as it was passing under the bar. Birch had not much to do in the Wednesday goal during the first half, but early on he made a fine save of a beautiful long shot from Clennell, and later brilliantly caught a fierce drive by Parker. The Sheffielders’ attacks had plenty of fire, but they could not beat the stern defence set up by Everton, for whom Fleetwood and Brewster did a lot of sound and vigorous work. On one occasion, however, the visitors were certainly lucky, for Fern would have been beaten by a furious drive by Brittleton, who admirably backed up his forwards, had not the ball, going straight for the mark, struck Brewster on the head. Near half-time Wednesday certainly ought to have scored, but Binney, who otherwise played well, missed a great opportunity by kicking the ball too far ahead from Gill’s pass, so that Fern was able to rush out and clear it.
ENTHUSIASTIC EFFORTS
For the last 15 minutes of the first half the Sheffielders were without the assistance of McKay, one of their most energetic forwards, who had been injured, and who was loudly cheered when he reappeared about three minutes after change of ends. It was with enthusiasm that they renewed their efforts to score, and a great cross shot by Binnery caused Fern considerable trouble. After a time, however, the game opened out, and Everton’s attack so increased in strength that it seemed possible that the visitors might match a victory. Indeed, it was only another remarkable bit of work by Blair which kept the ball, driven in by Donnachie, out of the net when Birch had left his charge, the famous Scottish back turning the ball round the post almost off the line. However, Wednesday were far from played out, and awakening to renewed activity, they swept again to the attack, Capper on the extreme right frequently leading their dashing raids.
FROM CAPPER’S CENTRE
With ten minutes to go came the success for which they had so long been fighting so hard. A splendid centre by Capper came flashing across the goalmouth with Gill, Welsh and McKay all eager to receive it. that happy fortune fell to Welsh, who got his head to the ball and turned it just past Fern into the net, whereupon the crowd cheered in a wildly enthusiastic manner, reminiscent of the old days at Olive Grove. After this success the Wednesday forwards played as though inspired, and from another 0of Capper’s centres the visitors goal had a narrow escape. So also had the Wednesday goal near the end, when Brittleton gave a corner to save a desperate situation.  Thus an exciting and fiercely contested match ended in a victory for the Sheffielders by an odd goal. It was a victory thoroughly deserved and won by sheer determination against a defence very strong and at times unscrupulous in method.
COMMENTS
Wednesday’s new centre impressed one favourably and should be a very useful recruit when he gets used to the English style of football, which, by the way, in Saturday’s game was somewhat of the Cup tie order. The fact that he scored the goal which won the match should be an encouragement. Thanks to Capper, who especially in the last half hour showed something like his fine pre-war form, the absence of W.H. Harvey from the extreme right wing was not so serious as had been feared.  Blair played another great game at back, and twice was the salvation of his side when all else were beaten. Brittleton’s presence strengthened the middle line, where Parkes played admirably, and Hinchliffe of the Reserves gave a creditable display. For Everton, Fern in goal, Fleetwood back, Brewster half-back, and Chedgzoy forward took the eye most. The visitors fought with fierce determination, giving nothing away. Teams;- Wednesday;- Birch; McSkimming, Blair; Brittleton, Parkes, Hinchcliffe; Capper, Binney, Welsh, McKay, Gill. Everton.- Fern; Fleetwood, Weller; Peacock, Brewster, Wareing; Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennell, Donnachie. Referee;- Mr. T. Winter, Crewe.

EVERTON BEATEN AT SHEFFIELD
The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury- Monday January 19, 1920
WEDNESDAY’S NARROW WIN
A hard fast, and occasionally interesting game at Hillsborough between Sheffield Wednesday and Everton brought cold comfort to the visiting club. The contest was fought on very level lines, and the issue lay in the balance until ten minutes from the finish. Both clubs had made considerable alterations in the composition of their teams, and, to a certain extent, the encounter was of an experimental character. The home side proved the gainers, for the only goal of the afternoon was secured by their new centre-forward. Welsh, a player recently secured from Raith Rovers. Up to the interval honours were fairly even, but in the second period Everton were occasionally slack, and though they came away with a rush at the finish they were unable to get through, and so lost two points by the barest of margins. The home forwards set a rare pace from the outset, and early on Fern was tested with shots from Capper, Welsh, and McKay. On settling down the Evertonians took their share in the argument, and one shot from Clennell deserved a better fate. Robinson who was partnering Chedgzoy, proved a glutton for work, but he was generally pulled up without ceremony by either Hinchliffe or Blair. The latter once headed away a deadly shot from the inside right, and the Everton goal also experienced a narrow escape when, from a bully in front of goal, the leather was eventually got away by Weller. Just before the interval McKay was so badly hurt in collision that he had to be carried from the field, but he pluckily returned in the second half and helped his side to victory. In this second period there were suspicions of undue roughness, and both the Everton backs were damaged. Fleetwood who received a nasty kick on the knee, having to leave the arena some minutes before the close. Sheffield’s goal came as the result of a burst away on the part of Binney, who centred well, and enabled Welsh to score at close range. The Everton forward line was not convincing though both Parker and Chedgzoy were distinctly unlucky. Robinson created a very favourable impression and will come on. Brewster, if slow, was hard working and he was well supported by Peacock and Wareing. Fleetwood fell into his new position finely, and kicked and tackled well. Result Sheffield Wednesday 1, Everton 0.
Teams;- Everton; Fern; Fleetwood and Weller; Peacock, Brewster, and Wareing; Chedgzoy, Robinson, Parker, Clennell, and Donnachie. Sheffield Wednesday;- Birch; Blair and McSkimming; Hinchliffe, Parkes, and Brittleton; Gill, McKay, Welsh, Binney, and Capper.

EVERTON COMPENTARY
The Liverpool Echo- Monday, January 19, 1920
Everton were practically beaten on the post by Sheffield Wednesday in a game that was fast, incidental-and occasionally not above suspicious. It must be remembered that the home team were in desperate need of points, and as the game advanced and points were still lacking a certain amount of surreptitious backing was introduced into the play. On a soft but otherwise excellent surface (says F.E.H) one saw some very skillful footwork, though the necessary combination was lacking just at the time when it was most needed. There is some measure of course for this by reason of the fact that both sides were on a certain extent experimenting. Sheffield emerged successfully from the crucible, though really there was not very much margin between the footwork of the contestants. Chief interest from a Merseyside standard of judgement was concentrated upon the work of Parker, Robinson and Brewster. The two forwards, part from over-anxiety, “filled the bill” with credit, and the centre half proved himself a rare worker. But the fact cannot be blinked that he was rather on the slow side, and though he frequently held Welsh, Wednesday’s new centre forward, he failed at times to stem the rapid tide of the home team’s rushes. Fleetwood making his debut as a full back, proved what a wonderfully versatile footballer he is. He fell into his new position as though to the manner born, and even when his pants were ripped off him, and he had to be surrounded by the players while a fresh pair was donned, he still preserved an attitude of philosophic calm. Just before the game was concluded he received a nasty knock on the knee and had to retire, McKay, the Sheffield forward, was also in the wars. He was rather badly damaged in the first half but was able to resume in the second period.

Hugh Bolton
Tuesday January 20 1920 Dundee Evening Telegraph
Hughie Bolton, the old Everton and Morton inside-right, is now taking an active interest in the Port-Glasgow juniors. He is assisting to train the young lads, and no doubt he will be able to give them a few wrinkles.

HUGHIE BOLTON
Dundee Evening Telegraph-Tuesday 20 January 1920
Hughie Bolton, the old Everton and Morton inside right, is now taking an active interest in the Port-Glasgow Juniors. He is assisting to train the young lads, and no doubt he will be able to give them a few wrinkles.

EX-EVERTONIAN GOES TO NORTHWICH
The Liverpool Echo- Thursday, January 22, 1920
Bee’s Notes
Northwich Victoria have signed on Nuttall, of Everton, Manchester United and Scotland. He will figure against Chester on Saturday.
GIVE JUNIORS A RUN
Apparently, Everton directors do not watch their younger players, or else they are chancing a large financial loss by fielding a team too mold to hold their own, say “Ardent.” I know we are having scientific displays, but still they are not winning the matches. Why not give some of the young blood a chance? The following team is a suggestion of improvement; Fern; Fleetwood, Evans; Brown, Weller, Robinson; Chedgzoy, Peacock, Robinson, Rigsby, and Harrison.
   “Bas” writes;- Perhaps the Everton directors do not know that Tranmere Rovers have a first class left back. Northern Nomads have a good back in Freeman, while Cruse is a great forward. Then again Jack Cuffe the lusty Glossip back, is out of collar and has a free transfer in the bargain. I know he s no chicken but he is a full back. That is what Everton want. The sooner they make a move the better, or else their rivals gates will be on the up grade. No longer can we say that Everton range with two or three other clubs as the finest in the land.

FRIENDLY CANCELLED
January 23 1920. The Liverpool Daily Post and Mercury
The intended “friendly” between Everton and Bolton tomorrow week will not take place as the Wanderers ground is already booked for the Central League match between Bolton and Liverpool Reserves.

EVERTON’S SEVERE TEST FROM McCRACKEN
The Liverpool Echo-Friday, January 23, 1920
Bee’s Notes
Everton to-morrow are faced with a critical match. Newcastle have been shaping somewhat unlike their true selves in recent weeks, but their defence remains still a great tribute to the tactics of McCracken, and also his ability. Can Everton break that defence? To-morrow, starting at three o’clock, will tell the tale; and in view of Everton’s lowly position it is natural that the game should arouse unusual interest, especially in view of the changes made. There were seven after the Cup-tie, there were six after a visit to Wednesday. Here I should mention that Grenyer is stopping with Everton, and that Preston, Middlesbrough, or Blackburn cannot get his signature. Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, Evans; Brown, Brewster, Robinson (W), Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Rigsby, Harrison. Newcastle;- Bradley; McCracken, Hudspeth; Curry, Low, Rainnie; Hall, Phillipson, Smatles, Hibbert, Ramsay.
EVERTON’S 31ST FIXTURE
Hull City and Everton have arranged a friendly match at Hull on January 31.

EVERTON VERSUS NEWCASTLE
The Liverpool Football Echo- Saturday, January 24, 1920
Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, Evans; Brown, Brewster, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Rigsby, Harrison. Newcastle; Bradley; McCracken. Hudspeth; Curry, Low, Rainnie; Hall, Phillipson, Smailies, Hibbert, Ramsey. Referee;- Mr. A. Scholey. Everton’s position was such that a win was very vital to-day. There were many changes from a week ago, and it was hoped that the team would manage to take full points from a side that has not been doing great work latterly, Newcastle also made experiments. The day was fine and dull and raining in turn.
A BIG “GATE”
Everton had an enormous attendance, probably 40,000 strong, and they began well by winning the toss and forcing Newcastle to face the glare of the sun. only a moment elapsed before the shrill piping voice of McCracken made appeal for offside. Everton started the better, but did not last long, for Newcastle were extremely dangerous on two occasions, and each time it was the right wing that opened the danger, and this in spite of Hall being laid low by a charge from Everton. Fleetwood nipped forward to stop Hibbert and when Hibbert and Ramsey got in the way of each other Everton were let off in a situation full of danger. Newcastle kept the ball low, and played pretty football, and their main fault up to now had been on overcrowding of their positions. It was unlike Chedgzoy to waste nice chances, and similarly Parker wound up an individual item by making a pass that was all too strong. More direct and accurate was the centre by Ramsey and Fern’s catch.
NOW RIGSBY SCORED
Fern was bustled by three men, but never lost his grip. From the big punt made by the goalkeeper the ball sailed down the field, and when Curry missed his kick Rigsby, a local who is not afraid to shoot, tried a long shot that fled home. Goalkeeper Bradley hesitation before he made a move towards the shot, and never threatened to touch the ball. Rigsby was near getting a second point, and then the crowd gasped in astonishment as Phillipson, badly angled, refused his partner, Hall, a chance of shooting from two yards’ range, Smailes following with a wretched miss when only Fern stood before him. The visitors centre-forward undoubtedly aimed at making sure by placing the ball, still there could be no excuse for such a bad error. He player fared quite so well as Wilfred Low, who was brainy at every move and made many tip-top saves for his side.
A POPULAR GOAL
However, nothing went right for Newcastle, then from a corner taken by Chedgzoy, McCracken trying to kick clear, forced the ball against Grenyer’s body, the ball cannoning for a goal. A singularly popular goal for the scorer, who only a few days ago was inclined to go to Preston North End. On the balance of play the lead was quite wrong, but one could not get away from the fact that Everton had taken there opportunities, and Newcastle had not. There was a more important reason for Newcastle’s lack of success. Fern was their great drawback. The way he stopped a fiery drive from Phillipson roused the spectators to tremendous applause. It looked any odds on finding the net, and Fern did amazingly well to force the ball high up and over the bar. Fern added to the save named a fine piece of catching when Low tried to show the forwards how to shoot apace and straight.
THE TRAINERS BUSY
Harrison and Hudspeth had to be attended to by the trainers and by degrees Everton, encouraged by their success, played more confidently than for some time past. Newcastle as ever had played pretty stuff, but they had yielded no result.
HALF-TIME
Everton 2, Newcastle 0
Apparently, Newcastle wanted to play straight on, but no arrangement was come to. When play restarted Newcastle again showed frailty in the region of goal, and although Smailes headed well if wide, there ere other occasions when the visitors went so close in that they certainly should have scored, whereas they did not even test Fern. Look at the contrast. Parker with a particular of a chance, drove in a splendid ball that swung up higher the further it went, and only missed scoring by inches. There had not been much of the McCracken tactics so far, and truth to tell McCracken and Hudspeth had been to better advantage. They found touch far too frequently and did not kick as clean as Evans and Fleetwood. Evans for a beginner shaped in workmanlike manner, if a bit slow. Talking of full-backs, it should be mentioned that Hudspeth had his eye plastered, and consequently was nervous about heading the ball. On all sides there was a slowing down, and the real surprise of the home side was the work of Harrison and Chedgzoy, who were not in their customary form.
PARKER SCORES
If the Newcastle forwards had played as confidently as their defence the Everton defenders would have had an awkward time. As it was, both goalkeepers had a lean period, and when Parker shot from the inside right position Bradley was probably unsighted. Any rate he was far too late for the ball, and Everton were three up, and Parker had scored the second goal of his short season. Newcastle took up the cudgels pretty sternly now, and four times in as many minutes Fern had turned seeming certainties of shot to seed. It was certainly Fern’s day out, and I think his best save of the four was that when he gathered a low shot from Curry. Brewster was very impressed by Fern’s goal keeping, and in full view of all he patted his comrade on the back. Brewster, Brown, and Grenyer had been a useful line but the best of the three was certainly Grenyer who was in a more settled frame of mind than formerly.
PARKER ON VELVET
Chedgzoy pout the ball so nicely to goal at this point that Parker was able to take a first-time shot, which again found a home in the back netting. Bradley hurt his rights shoulder trying to save a hot shot. Everton 4 goals to the good was an astonishing thing, and as uncommon pleasure in recent times- the points were as welcome as the goals.
Final; Everton 4, Newcastle United 0.

ONE FORWARD ONLY
The Sunday Sun (Newcastle) January 25, 1920
UNITED’S ATATCK LACKS DASH AND SHOOTING
THEIR WORST DEFEAT
By “Magpie”
Everton have nothing to throw away if they are to remain in the First Division League, and they made sure of the two points in their home game with Newcastle United. There were changes in the Everton team, in which Fleetwood, who had settled down in his position at back, was partnered by Evans, a youngster who has performed creditably with the Reserves, and Grenyer resumed at half-back. These changes were looked upon as likely to strengthen the defence, which has undoubtedly been their weak point this season. There were also interesting changes in the United team, Phillipson, the Scotswood recruit, who had played so well in the Reserves the previous week, replacing Hagan at inside right for a first trial in the League team; while Rainnie also got his first chance in first class football owing to Finlay being incapacitated against Oldham. Newcastle again proved themselves a great draw, and there were well over 30,000 present at the start, the visitors, and especially McCracken, coming in for a good reception. Kirsopp at once started a dangerous movement, passing nicely over to the right, but McCracken nullified the effort. Newcastle had a great chance when Hall sent splendidly across the goalmouth. Hibbert just failed to secure, and Ramsey was worried by Fleetwood when he toed the ball, and ultimately it went over. Smailes, hall, and Phillipson played capital football after this and the latter shot hard a couple of yards wide. Hibbert and Ramsay through a misunderstanding, mulled a grand opening given to them by Smailes and another good chance, resulting from clever passes by Low and Ramsay were nullified by Brewster. Newcastle had certainly opened in better style than at Oldham, the passes being more accurate and better planned. Kirsopp brought danger, however, by cleverly beating Hudspeth, but Rigsby made an awful mess of a fine pass, Ramsay beat Fleetwood and called upon Fern, but the latter kicked well away.  Curry practically missed the ball about five yards outside his own penalty area, and Rigsby rushing up shot hard before he was approached by the backs and beat Bradley in thirteen minutes. It was a brilliant effort, and a fine example of taking a chance the moment it was offered.
CHANCE OF A LIFETIME
Phillipson had an opening from Ramsay’s pass, but he tried a screw shot and failed. Really Hall was in the best position for a shot had it been left to him. Then a heart-breaking incident for Newcastle occurred. After twenty minutes Ramsay had wormed his way clear of the backs and put to the toe of Smailes. The latter had plenty of time to place the ball where he liked, but from five yards range he went yards wide. It was the chance of a lifetime. Harrison and Rigsby again got away, and the outside man working around McCracken centred nicely, but Hudspeth saved at the expense of a corner. This was footed by Low, but rebounded off the face of Grenyer into the net for Everton’s scored goal in 22 minutes. A brilliant shot by Phillipson a minute later was barely tipped over the bar by Fern, who had been out five yards, and Low from a most unselfish pass by Hibbert shot hard into the keeper’s hands, Hibbert following with a shot a yard wide. Somewhat weak kicking by both the Newcastle backs almost let in Rigsby, the former kicking into touch just when Hudspeth was laid out for a minute or two. A corner which Harrison forced off McCracken resulted in a safe clearance by Bradley, and the interval arrived with Everton two goals up. After Parker had whizzed one just over the bar on the restart, Newcastle applied strong pressure, but though the ball was bobbed about in front of goal none of the attempts to head it in were successful.  The game was of a quieter nature in this half, though the home team were more dangerous, their half-back line being very effective, and the movements of the forwards much more promising.
PARKER’S PAIR OF GOALS
Most of the Newcastle attacks in the first quarter of an hour of the second half came from Ramsay or Hibbert, though none of the shots had sufficient win in them to trouble Fern. On the other hand Everton’s forwards showed fine finishing work, and after twenty minutes, following nice work by Chedgzoy and Kirsopp, Parker sent in a great oblique shot, which Bradley failed to save though going full length in the attempt. Then for a few minutes United hung round the Everton goal, and in quick succession Hall, Low and Ramsay tested Fern unsuccessfully. The crowd expressed appreciation of McCracken’s fine work on more than one occasion, but the cheers were nothing so the roar which greeted Everton’s goal, a beauty into the high corner of the net by parker from a perfect pass by Chedgzoy. This was fifteen minutes from the close, and Newcastle’s fate was sealed, as far as the game was concerned, by a more sprightly and united team. On odd occasions afterwards Newcastle made short incursions into the opposing territory, but there was an utter lack of cohesion in their forward work, and a quite understandable slackening on the part of the halves and backs, who had seen much of their clever work wasted by forwards who at times wouldn’t shoot and very seldom could shoot with anything approaching accuracy. The end came with the home team 4 goals to the good and well-deserved winners.
WHERE EVERTON WON
Though the score of four to nothing perhaps shows Everton up in rather too favourable a light, there is nothing problematical in Newcastle’s defeat. They went down to a team possessed of a faster and altogether more capable forward line, who never failed to take a chance that came their way.  The understanding from wing to wing was capital and though Harrison and Rigsby were by far the best pair it was due largely to the halves playing to them most. Parker came mostly into the picture in the second half with two good goals, but the wings did not receive too much attention from him.  The halves played soundly, Brewster especially being clever with playing to the forwards and Grenyer in defence. Fleetwood was a sound back, and Evans only moderate. Ramsay was the only man who really justified himself on the Newcastle front line, and he was really good. All the others showed a lamentable lack of dash, understanding and shooting ability. Phillipson can scarcely be judged in such a line. Low and Curry were sound as usual, but Rainnie does not compare with Finlay on yesterday’s form. Hudspeth was not so sure as usual, but McCracken played a hard, clever game. Bradley, in goal, was good, though he might have made a better effort to save the first goal. The great defect was forward. The gate receipts were stated to be 2,377 pounds. Everton; Fern; Fleetwood, Evans; Brown, Brewster, Grenyer; Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Rigsby, Harrison. Newcastle United; Bradley; McCracken, Hudspeth; Curry, Low, Rainnie; Hall, Phillipson, Smailes, Hibbert, Ramsay.

EVERTON 4 NEWCASTLE UNITED 0
January 26, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
EVERTON'S GREAT VICTORY
THIRD DEFEAT IN SUCCESSION FOR NEWCASTLE.
It was a famous victory! With a reconstructed team, including an experimental pair of full backs, Everton entertained Newcastle United on Saturday and smote them hip and thigh, winning by four clear goals. It must be admitted that there was hardly such a big margin between the sides on the balance of play, but Everton took their chances, went from strength to strength, and at the finish had their celebrated rivals thoroughly whipped. There was virility about the front line, which has been lacking for some time. Several times of late it has been necessary to point out that, while combining well in advance, the Goodison Park attackers seemed strongly loth to a administer the parting shot unless the goal gaped before them. On Saturday all this was changed, and surprise efforts at long range came off. They were slipping down the table so rapidly that such a fine win will be a welcome tonic, and if they will only learn their own lesson there is no reason why they should not attain once more a position worthy of the club's past history. When all is said and done, it is goals that matter and there is nothing like a regular bombardment for testing the capabilities of an opposing defence.
ABOUT THE PLAY.
That of the United has earned itself a big reputation this season, but it did not live up to it on Saturday. McCracken is a terror to forwards, for he usually able to throw them offside with regularity, which is heartbreaking. But such tactics are easily discounted if attackers will only keep behind the ball, and the Blues were wide-awake to this fact. Then McCracken, as the game proceeded, did not lie so far forward as usual, possibly the reason was that he had a junior custodian behind him. Bradley is not a Lawrence, and he was slow to move towards two of the shots, which beat him, while three of the four were netted from very long range. To make matters more uncomfortable for the visitors, Hudspeth was far from sure in his kicking. Finlay absence through injury meant that the United half-back line was changed for the first time since the commencement of the season –a wonderful record in itself –but he had a capable deputy in Rainnie a half back of speed. Low, however, was the pick of the line, especially in attack, though Curry shaped well. Forward Phillipson was the United star attacker. Time after time he had duels with the Everton keeper, and he was the one visiting forward who could hit the ball hard and accurately.
PARKER'S FEAT.
It was the crowning part of Newcastle's misfortune to find Fern in his most brilliant form. Never has he kept with greater certainly, and one great running save. When he touched the leather over the bar with the tips of his fingers, was a masterpiece, while he beat away some stringers from Phillipson at point blank range. Fleetwood is settling down nicely as a full back, and alongside him a trial was given to a hefty Welsh lad named Evans, who has been doing well with the Reserves. He played as well as any back on the field, was generally in the right place, and kicked a good length Grenyer saw that the newcomer did not have too much to do, while Brewster was a reliable pivot, and the United left wing got no change out of Brown. Forward, Bobby Parker, though lacking a little in pace since he was wounded, infused much needed power into the shooting department, and he was cleverly supported on the left, but Chedgzoy and Kirsopp have been seen to better advantage. Everton scored twice in each half, Rigsby opening the account with a fine long shot from the right wing having been forced across as he was tackled, and Grenyer headed the second from a corner. Parker obtained the other two in the second half, with furious drives taken on the run, splendid goals each of them and models of opportunism. Teams: - Everton: - Fern, goal, Fleetwood (Captain), and Evans, backs, Brown, Brewster, and Grenyer, half-backs, Chedgzoy, Kirsopp, Parker, Rigsby, and Harrison, forwards. Newcastle United: - Bradley, goal, McCracken, and Hudspeth, backs, Curry, Low, and Rainnie, half-backs, Hall, Phillipson, Smailes, Hibbert, and Ramsey, forwards.

ELLESMERE PORT 0 EVERTON RESERVES 2
January 26, 1920. The Liverpool Courier.
Everton Reserves fielded a team of talents at Ellesmere Port on Saturday afternoon, and they won as was only to be expected. The wind was behind the backs of the Port, and they gradually got going and were the more aggressive side, gaving Bissett, the new man on trial, and Thompson some work to do. Everton finessed and Ellesmere Port meant business with the result that on two occasions Burley struck the crossbar with Bromilow well beaten. G. W. Jones was closely watched by Scan Price, with the result that Chedgzoy's deputy never got going. The second moiety saw Everton playing with a strong wind behind them and they were vastly superior in attack, but they net a defence which caused them to guess furiously. G.W. Jones sent over some good centres and his side had eight corners within the space of five minutes. After several pressure Jones placed to Kearslake, who opened the score, and Everton's other goal followed quickly thanks to a penalty taken by Jones.

FERN’S FINE FORM
The Liverpool Echo- Monday January 26, 1920
Bee’s Notes
Was there ever a more contradictory game than that which drew forty thousand people to Goodison Park? Read right back to the first portion and you will come to conclusions which read hopelessly at variance with your own ideas. You can say Fern played the game of his life. And then you can say Newcastle did not score because they took not the easy chances. You could say that throughout Newcastle played prettier football and kept the ball on the ground, and that if anything, the United half backs were just in front of Everton’s in spite of Low’s great game and Grenyer’s resumed “form.” Yet Newcastle were beaten 4-nil, and their goalkeeper was, to many minds, blameworthy for not being quicker to anticipate and quicker to get to the ball. It was good football, especially in the first half rush, and I am at one with Jimmy Lawrence, the goalkeeper, who has been out so long through chipping his collar-bone when he says they have plenty of good forwards and only want to strike the winning combination. Incidentally, I should think Newcastle are glad they did not let Jimmy go to Sunderland, who sought his transfer. Bradley is for was on Saturday slow to make his movements, and in contrast Fern lost him in brilliance ideas, and in catch. Fern’s catching was beautifully clean, and when he put up a ball over the bar, Phillipson being the shooter, my mind instinctively went back to the Derby game, where, in the same goalmouth, Ted Taylor pushed a similarly fierce drive up and over. Everton, by winning must gain confidence, and it is surely necessary that the team should be allowed to settle after a fortnight where thirteen changes were made when very few seemed to be warranted. At back there was a steadiness not known when Fleetwood was not there. Evans is a shade slow, but he needs well and sizes up a situation. For my part I think Fleetwood is lost at full back, though he could not expect to get through the big work that he has been accustomed to when placed as pivot. Brewster was not as big a success as anticipated, and Brown’s game was good enough, as is generally the case. In attack, Rigsby led off with a goal that was a vital factor. If Everton had not scored just then I think Newcastle would have been a great trouble to them. That well-delivered goal from the stocky inside left showed the way to victory. At centre Bobbie Parker scored two with first-time shots and Grenyer got a cheap rebound that made the day’s score four- too many compared with the style and run of play, but you cannot blame Everton for Newcastle’s faults, and Fern, after all, is one of the Everton players, is he not? I liked Wilf Low, Phillipson and Rannie of the losers’ side, but I cannot understand Dixon’s omission and Smailie’s inclusion.

IMPRESSIONS OF HOLLAND AND DUTCH FOOTBALL
The Liverpool Echo- Wednesday, January 28, 1920
Bee’s Notes
On travelling northwards through Holland from Rotterdam to Zwolle, my first impression was that somebody had made a big mistake in engaging a football coach and trainer. It looked by the appearance of the country, that it was swimming coach they required. Thus, Harry Makepeace the new coach in a special article for the “Echo” -as far as I could see (which is a great distance in this country) there were small waterways running through every field, some of the meadows being quite under water. I wondered where they would play football. on arrival at my destination I was given a cordial welcome by some of the Members of Z.A.C (Zwolle Athletic Club), and they soon informed me their position in the league, was very precarious having played 12, won 3, drawn 1, lost 8, and would require eight points out of the six league matches they had still to play. I found Zwolle to be a quaint old town of about thirty thousand inhabitants, and completely surrounded by water. This was their means of defence in olden tunes, like our moats on the old English castles, only on a much larger scale, the river being twenty to thirty yards wide, and now used for commercial purposes by very large boats, some of the steamers having a carrying capacity of 300 tons. On strolling down to the football ground, I was much struck by the fine appearance of their enclosure, the playing pitch itself being quite good, a great deal better than the majority of the Combination clubs I have seen. There is one drawback at this time of the year, after heavy rain there are pools of water all over the ground, taking three or four days to disappear, owing to the ground being several feet below sea level. The river Ijssel, which flows into the Zuyder Zee, is about a quarter of a mile away, and its natural height is four or five feet higher than our ground. Of course, there is a dyke protecting the land, but I often wonder what would happen if the dyke gave way. In spring and autumn, I am informed they have a fine springy turf to play on, in fact, they practice football all the year round, more especially in the long summer evening. There is a nice covered stand capable of seating about 1,000 people, and all seats are numbered; they have also an uncovered one. The average attendance is between three and four thousand and, considering the size of the population, I consider this very good, but judging from the noise they make, you would think there were 30,000 spectators. People are very keen about football, and there are plenty of junior teams. Z.A.C., who have about seventy members run four teams. The third and fourth eleven are boys of about sixteen or seventeen years of age. It is rather difficult to make them understand, not knowing English very well, but our first team members all speak a little of our language, some of them quite fluently. We play all our matches on Sundays, although they are beginning to adopt our English half holiday on Saturday, which was not the case some few years ago, but I am afraid they will not give up their Sunday football. there are four first-class competition in Holland, which is divided up geographically north, south, east and west. The leaders of each competition play off at the end of the season for the championship of Holland. The west division is the strongest, comprising teams from Amsterdam, Rotterdam. The Hague Haarlern and a few other places, the other division being very little inferior. The lowest team in each competition is relegated to the second class, the leaders in the second being promoted. There are nine or ten clubs in each league, and as their season is about the same length as ours they have naturally a number of free Sundays. However, a lot of competition matches are postponed owing to the state of the ground, we have only played two League matches in the last five weeks, from which we have obtained three points, but I am afraid a lot of the Dutchmen are fineweather players, the least bit of water or mid about and they will not go near the ground, even for a bit of training. I struck with the ability shown by some of our players quite good enough for our reserve teams in England, and one or two would make real class players with about a season among our professionals; there is no doubt whatever about the football ability of some of the players just a little of English league experience and they would be right in the first flight. Professionalism, of course, is not known here. They are allowed travelling expenses, and all follow their regular employment during the week. If they had the opportunities for training that the professionals have in England there would be a vast improvement in Dutch football. some of the players, however, are not in condition through want of training. They don’t see the advantage gained by sprinting and other exercises in the evenings. All they care about is ball practice. I am a great believer in ball practice myself, and am perfectly aware this is the finest thing for them, but you cannot play football when it is dark consequently they are never fit, as you only see some of them on match days. The couple of competition matches I have seen have been really good exhibitions of football. it is only in the finer technical of the game they are lacking. I am afraid the rulings of the referees on some points will do the game a lot of harm here, especially regarding the offside rule. They will persist in stepping the game if a man is in an offside position, even if he is not interfering with the play. Many a good movement is nipped in the bud by the wrong interpretation of the rule, and they will be convinced even by the English F.A. there is one thing I am never finished hearing. If I meet a Dutchman who can speak a little English he is sure to remind me that Holland once beat England in an international match, and I hope for the sake of their countrymen abroad, our amateurs won’t let them have another opportunity of rubbing it in.
EVERTON TEAM
Everton at Hull play the same as last week’s side against Newcastle.
Everton Res v Stalybridge, at home (Cup scores will be indicated each quarter of an hour). Etchells; Bissett, Hough; Peacock, Livesley, W. Robinson, J.W. Jones, A. Robinson, Gault, Mayson, and J. Evans.
At team at Hightown; Bromilow; Stroud, Russell; M. Jones, O. Stewart, Williams; Howarth, McCrea, Kearslake, Fairclough, and Jackson.
Teams desiring games with Everton “A” should write to-day to Mr. McIntosh, Everton F.C., Goodison road.
Edgar Chadwick the famous ex-Everton forward, is dangerous ill at his home at Blackpool. He is suffering from bronchial pneumonia. 

EVERTON FRIENDLY
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday January 31, 1920
WITH HULL CITY PREVENTED BY RAILWAY COLLISION
Everton were held up at Guidsbridge owing to collision on the line, and the friendly with Hull City will not take place.

EVERTON v STALYBRIDGE
The Liverpool Football Echo-Saturday, January 31, 1920
CENTRAL LEAGUE MATCH AT WALTON
Everton Reserves;- Etchells; Bissett, Hough; Peacock, Lievesley, and Robinson; Jones G.W, Robinson, Gault, Mayson, Smith. Stalybridge C- Lonsdale; Barton, Preece; Duckworth, Knowle, Lockett; Stafford, Langford, Tetlow, Petrie, Ellis. At Goodison. Everton won the toss, and had a good wind behind them. The home team immediately took up the offensive, and kept the visitors confined to their own quarters and one shot from Mayson almost opened the score for Everton in the first two minutes. After a severe bombardment of the visitors’ goal, Celtic made play on the left through Ellis and Petrie, but Bissett intercepted a good movement and punted clear. The visitors were very nippy and play was interesting, Jones raced away on the right and ended by sending in a perfect centre, which Mayson headed in, but Londsdale falling full length saved his goal in clever fashion. The bulk of the play up to this point was mostly in favour of Everton, but their attempts at goal-scoring were feeble. At last a good movement by the left wing ended in a goal. Smith sent in a clever shot which Lonsdale could not hold, and Gault, rushing in placed the ball in the net before the keeper could recover himself.
GAULT’S TWO GOALS
After this reverse Celtic played up strongly and gave the home defence some trouble, Etchells, after saving two good shots, was finally beaten by Stafford, but the referee disallowed the goal, and the Celtic players strongly protested against his ruling and after consulting the linesman a goal-kick was ordered. Five minutes later Everton were 2 up, Gault again scoring after fine work by Jones. Everton were enjoying most of the pressure, but when Celtic did make tracks towards the home goal they were dangerous. Etchells on one occasion was very fortunate in saving his goal, the ball rebounding from his body into play. The Everton goal for several minutes was subjected to several pressure, Celtic being most unfortunate in their attempts to score. No further scoring took place, and when the interval arrived Everton were leading by two goals to nothing.
Halt-time-Everton Res 2, Stalybridge Celtic 0.
When the second half commenced there would be about 8,000 spectators and Celtic were the first to cause pressure. Although two goals up, Everton were not having matters all their own way; it was only the fine defence of Bissett and Hough that prevented the visitors from opening their account. Good work by peacock set Jones going, and the visitors goal had a narrow escape from a shot by Robinson. Three-quarter-time-Everton Reserves 2, Celtic 0. Mayson added a third from a centre by Jones.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 1920